French Conversation · Level 122
60 words
French word
hocher
Pronunciation
IPA/oʃe/
Meaning
- verbnod
Example
Ne hoche pas la tête si tu n'es pas sûr.
Don't nod if you're not sure.
More examples
Elle hoche la tête pour montrer son accord.
She nods her head to show her agreement.
Core concept
A head making a short up-and-down motion to signal agreement or a silent answer.
Common phrases
hocher la tête
nod one's head
Similar words
secouer: To shake the head sideways as a gesture of refusal or rejection.
accepter: To accept an offer or agree to proposed conditions.
Definition in French
Bouger la tête de haut en bas pour montrer son accord, son assentiment ou donner une réponse sans paroles.
Word origin
French hocher comes from Old French hochier, a verb meaning to move or shake, with the head-specific sense developing in modern French.
Usage tips
- The common construction is hocher la tête, while secouer la tête usually describes shaking the head from side to side.