Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Nod" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "nod", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
頷く
うなずく (unazuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
相槌を打つ
あいづちをうつ (aizuchiwoutsu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "nod" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 頷く and 相槌を打つ.
In Japanese, 頷く (うなずく (unazuku)) is typically associated with "to nod (in agreement or understanding)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses agreement, understanding, or acknowledgment by nodding one's head. It's an intransitive verb..
On the other hand, 相槌を打つ (あいづちをうつ (aizuchiwoutsu)) maps to "to nod in agreement" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "nod" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "頷く"
彼女は私の話を聞いて、静かに頷いた。
She listened to my story and nodded quietly.
Bilingual Context for "相槌を打つ"
毎日、日本語を練習するために相槌を打つ。
Every day, I nod in agreement to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は私の話を聞いて、静かに頷いた。" (Meaning: "She listened to my story and nodded quietly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "頷く" fits here because it means "to nod (in agreement or understanding)" in the context of: "She listened to my story and nodded quietly.". "相槌を打つ" represents "to nod in agreement".