shake head in self-satisfaction; smug
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to sway one's head and shake; to look pleased with oneself; to assume an air of self-satisfaction
Describes the physical gesture of rhythmically shaking one's head, often while reciting poetry, listening to music, or expressing opinions. Can indicate either genuine enjoyment/contentment or an arrogant, self-important attitude. The connotation depends heavily on context.
Tā他
dú读
qǐ起
gǔ古
shī诗
lái来
zǒng总
shì是
yáo摇
tóu头
huàng晃
nǎo脑
de的
，
shí十
fēn分
táo陶
zuì醉
。
He always sways his head rhythmically when reading ancient poetry, completely engrossed.
Nà那
wèi位
lǎo老
xiān先
sheng生
yáo摇
tóu头
huàng晃
nǎo脑
de地
fā发
biǎo表
zì自
jǐ己
de的
yì意
jian见
，
xiǎn显
de得
hěn很
zì自
fù负
。
That old gentleman expressed his opinions with an air of self-importance, shaking his head smugly, appearing quite arrogant.
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Hái孩
zi子
men们
yáo摇
tóu头
huàng晃
nǎo脑
de地
bèi背
sòng诵
zhe着
sān三
zì字
jīng经
。
The children were reciting the Three Character Classic with great enjoyment, swaying their heads rhythmically.
Tā他
yī一
fù副
yáo摇
tóu头
huàng晃
nǎo脑
de的
yàng样
zi子
，
hǎo好
xiàng像
quán全
shì世
jiè界
zhǐ只
yǒu有
tā他
zuì最
dǒng懂
。
He had such a smug look on his face, swaying his head as if he were the only one in the world who understood.