asentir con la cabeza
/asentiɾ kon la kabeθa/from spelling rules
The English verb 'nod' can be translated into Spanish as asentir con la cabeza or cabecear.
Meaning: incline the head up and down (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| asentir con la cabeza | /asentiɾ kon la kabeθa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /asentiɾ kon la kabesa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| cabecear | /kabeθeˈaɾ/ /kabeseˈaɾ/ |
The primary way to describe the action of inclining the head up and down is asentir con la cabeza. The word cabecear is also used to describe this motion. When referring to the physical act as a noun, such as a single instance of moving one's head, you might use cabezada, venia or sombrerazo. Note that while cabezada can mean a brief nod, it is very commonly used colloquially to refer to a short nap or a doze.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase asentir con la cabeza is composed of the verb asentir, which means to assent or to agree and the prepositional phrase con la cabeza, meaning 'with the head'.
Related words
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a single, quick upward flick of the chin can function as a silent 'nod' to mean 'hello' or 'what's up'.
- The verb cabecear is frequently used in the context of sports, specifically to describe a player hitting the ball with their head during a soccer match.
- The word cabeza comes from the Vulgar Latin diminutive capitia, suggesting the word for 'head' actually evolved from a 'little head'.
Examples in context
- El juez asintió con la cabeza, indicando su conformidad.The judge nodded, indicating his agreement.
- Asentí vigorosamente para mostrar mi aprobación.I nodded vigorously to show my approval.
- La directora aprobó con la cabeza, dándonos permiso.The director nodded, giving us permission.
- Aprobaron con la cabeza cuando propuse la idea.They nodded when I proposed the idea.
- El niño asintió con la cabeza emocionado.The child nodded excitedly.
- Asentimos con la cabeza para mostrar que entendimos.We nodded to show that we understood.
- Al escuchar la buena noticia, dio un gesto afirmativo con la cabeza.Upon hearing the good news, he nodded in agreement.
- Le di un gesto afirmativo para indicar que estaba de acuerdo con su propuesta.I gave him a nod to indicate that I agreed with his proposal.
- Ella suele asentir con la cabeza para mostrar acuerdo.She tends to nod to show agreement.
- Él solo pudo asentir con la cabeza en silencio.He could only nod in silence.
- ¿Puedes asentir con la cabeza si entiendes la instrucción?Can you nod if you understand the instruction?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nod” translations and entries cabecear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asentir, cabecear, cabeza, con, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
