Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
点头 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
点头diǎntóuto nodHSK 4, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #8754, Medium
diǎntóu(dian3tou2)dian tou T3
  1. 1to nod
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

点头(點頭)diǎntóu(dian3tou2)

点头 (dian3 tou2) means 'to nod' or 'to give a nod of agreement or acknowledgment.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone indicates understanding or approval, often in conversation or during discussions. Nodding is a universal gesture, but in Chinese culture, it can also signify respect and attentiveness during communication.

Strokes14Frequency#8754DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, nodding is often a sign of respect, especially during conversations with elders or superiors. A nod may also indicate that you are listening attentively, which is highly valued in social interactions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person named Dan who is always 'pointing' his head 'down' whenever he agrees with something. The character 点 (dian3) resembles a dot, suggesting a small movement, while 头 (tou2) means 'head.' Picture Dan nodding his head energetically to remember the association.

Meanings of 点头

diǎntóu(dian3tou2)
1to nod
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 点头 means.

About 点头

点头Simplified
點頭Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 点头

JasonAmy

Podcast: 点头

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 点头

Quick Contrast

点头 (diǎntóu) vs 赞同 (zàntóng) — use 点头 for the physical action of nodding, while 赞同 refers to expressing agreement verbally or in written form.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 点头 with other gestures, so it's important to remember that it specifically refers to the action of nodding. This term is informal and commonly used in everyday conversations. Be mindful of the tones: 点 (dian3) is third tone, and 头 (tou2) is second tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 点头 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to basic actions and body language that are useful for HSK Level 1 learners. Students should focus on mastering the tones and practicing the word in context, such as in dialogues or role-plays about meetings.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 点头 with other similar gestures, like 摇头 (yao2 tou2), which means 'to shake one's head.' Remember, 点头 indicates agreement, while 摇头 indicates disagreement. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tones, such as saying 'dian1 tou2' instead of 'dian3 tou2.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 点头

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 点头 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 点头 to You

Let me explain 点头 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 点头 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 点头?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 点头 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

点diǎnpoint
HSK 19 strokes灬
View full entry
头tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes大
View full entry

How to say to nod in Chinese

“to nod” in Chinese is点头diǎntóu

点头 (dian3 tou2) means 'to nod' or 'to give a nod of agreement or acknowledgment.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone indicates understanding or approval, often in conversation or during discussions. Nodding is a universal gesture, but in Chinese culture, it can also signify respect and attentiveness during communication.

When to use 点头

Learners often confuse 点头 with other gestures, so it's important to remember that it specifically refers to the action of nodding. This term is informal and commonly used in everyday conversations. Be mindful of the tones: 点 (dian3) is third tone, and 头 (tou2) is second tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

点头 or something close to it

点头 (diǎntóu) vs 赞同 (zàntóng) — use 点头 for the physical action of nodding, while 赞同 refers to expressing agreement verbally or in written form.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 点头 with other similar gestures, like 摇头 (yao2 tou2), which means 'to shake one's head.' Remember, 点头 indicates agreement, while 摇头 indicates disagreement. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tones, such as saying 'dian1 tou2' instead of 'dian3 tou2.'

Write 点头

点
头

Practice writing 点头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 点头?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 点头

点头 refers specifically to the physical act of nodding, while 赞同 means 'to agree' in a more verbal or formal context.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 点头?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab