English–Chinese
“gesticulate” in Chinese
Chinese
Pronunciation
Pinyinzhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo
Example
他说话时喜欢指手画脚。tā shuō huà shí xǐ huān zhí shǒu huà jiǎo
He likes to gesticulate when he talks.
How to say “gesticulate” in Chinese
“Gesticulate” in Chinese is 指手画脚 (zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo).
Visible gestures used to steer another person's actions or choices, often without being invited.
Example sentences with 指手画脚
他在地图前指手画脚，把路线比划给我们看。tā zài dì tú qián zhí shǒu huà jiǎo bǎ lù xiàn bǐ huà gěi wǒ men kàn
He gestured in front of the map to show us the route.
Tips for using 指手画脚
- English speakers may expect a movement-only verb, but Chinese also uses this word for spoken interference when no gestures are present.