sacudiendo la cabeza
/sakudjendo la kabeθa/from spelling rules
The phrase "shaking my head" is translated into Spanish as sacudiendo la cabeza.
In informal contexts, you might use this gesture alongside the expression No lo puedo creer to express disbelief.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "shaking the head". This is because Spanish uses the definite article la (the) instead of the possessive adjective "my" when referring to body parts in this context.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say "I shake my head" in the present tense, use sacudo la cabeza.
When do people say it?
When expressing disbelief or shock, a speaker might combine the physical gesture of shaking one's head with the phrase No lo puedo creer (I can't believe it).
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight upward tilt of the cabeza can serve as a non-verbal 'yes' or a way to acknowledge someone, rather than a side-to-side shake.
- While sacudir means 'to shake', it is also the word used for 'dusting' or 'shaking out' a rug, treating the movement of the cabeza similarly to cleaning a fabric.
- The word cabeza is a linguistic relative of the English word 'chief', as both originate from the Latin word for 'head'.
Examples in context
- El juez no estuvo de acuerdo con el testimonio del acusado, por lo que simplemente negó con la cabeza.The judge did not agree with the defendant's testimony, so he simply shook his head.
- El profesor movió la cabeza de un lado a otro desaprobando la respuesta equivocada del estudiante.The teacher shook his head from side to side, disapproving the student's wrong answer.
- Estoy sacudiendo la cabeza con frustración.I am shaking my head with frustration.
- Él me respondió sacudiendo la cabeza.He responded to me by shaking his head.
- Sigue sacudiendo la cabeza para decir que no.She keeps shaking her head to say no.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a surprising story.
- MateoNo puedo creer que haya pasado esto.I can't believe this happened.
- ElenaYo tampoco, me tienes aquí sacudiendo la cabeza.Me neither, you have me here shaking my head.
- Mateo¿Crees que sea verdad?Do you think it's true?
- ElenaNo lo sé, pero es muy extraño.I don't know, but it's very strange.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
