Meaning
To show agreement or understanding by tilting the head up and down.
Cultural Background
Nodding is a form of 'Chemyeon' (face-saving). By nodding, you acknowledge the speaker's effort, even if you don't fully agree with the content. A nod in a Korean meeting often means 'I am following your logic' rather than 'I accept this price.' Westerners often mistake this for a closed deal. In webtoons and chats, '끄덕' is often written as a sound effect next to a character's head to show they are a 'good listener' or 'cool-headed.' Students are taught to nod to show the teacher they are not daydreaming. A lack of nodding can be interpreted as a lack of focus or even rebellion.
The 'Passive' Trick
Use '고개가 끄덕여지다' when you want to say a movie, book, or speech was 'relatable' or 'convincing'. It makes you sound very natural.
Don't Overdo It
Nodding too fast can look like you're impatient for the speaker to finish. Keep it slow and rhythmic.
Meaning
To show agreement or understanding by tilting the head up and down.
The 'Passive' Trick
Use '고개가 끄덕여지다' when you want to say a movie, book, or speech was 'relatable' or 'convincing'. It makes you sound very natural.
Don't Overdo It
Nodding too fast can look like you're impatient for the speaker to finish. Keep it slow and rhythmic.
Eye Contact
In Korea, nod while maintaining soft eye contact. Looking away while nodding can seem insincere.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
선생님의 설명을 듣고 학생들은 모두 고개를 ( ).
Students nod (끄덕였다) to show they understand a teacher's explanation.
Match the situation to the correct action.
친구의 슬픈 이야기를 진지하게 들어줄 때 하는 행동은?
Nodding repeatedly shows you are listening and empathizing with your friend.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 내 말 무슨 뜻인지 알겠어? 나: 응, ( ).
In a casual dialogue, '끄덕끄덕' is a common way to show agreement.
Which sentence uses the 'relatable' meaning correctly?
다음 중 '고개가 끄덕여지다'가 가장 자연스러운 문장은?
'고개가 끄덕여지다' is used when something is convincing or relatable, like a success story.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Nodding vs. Shaking
Practice Bank
4 exercises선생님의 설명을 듣고 학생들은 모두 고개를 ( ).
Students nod (끄덕였다) to show they understand a teacher's explanation.
친구의 슬픈 이야기를 진지하게 들어줄 때 하는 행동은?
Nodding repeatedly shows you are listening and empathizing with your friend.
가: 내 말 무슨 뜻인지 알겠어? 나: 응, ( ).
In a casual dialogue, '끄덕끄덕' is a common way to show agreement.
다음 중 '고개가 끄덕여지다'가 가장 자연스러운 문장은?
'고개가 끄덕여지다' is used when something is convincing or relatable, like a success story.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very appropriate. In fact, it's expected that you nod while your boss is giving instructions to show respect and understanding.
Not at all! While it sounds a bit cute, adults use it in casual texting and informal conversations all the time to show they are listening.
'끄덕이다' is the standard verb. '끄덕끄덕하다' emphasizes the repetition and is slightly more casual/expressive.
Not necessarily. It often means 'I am listening' or 'I understand your point,' but it doesn't always mean 'I agree to the terms' in a business sense.
Yes, but usually in the form '고개가 끄덕여지다' to describe how a certain argument is convincing or relatable.
In many cases, no. It's actually a polite way to let the other person keep talking without interrupting them verbally.
Use '고개를 가로젓다' (shaking the head side to side).
The phrase itself is native, but the concept is related to {受肯|수긍} (sugeung - acceptance) or {同意|동의} (dongui - agreement).
One or two slow nods are standard for agreement. Multiple quick nods show enthusiasm or that you've finally understood something complex.
Yes, if a dog seems to understand you, you could humorously say '강아지가 고개를 끄덕였다'.
Related Phrases
고개를 가로젓다
contrastTo shake one's head side to side.
수긍하다
similarTo accept or agree with something.
맞장구를 치다
builds onTo chime in or agree enthusiastically.
고개를 숙이다
similarTo bow or lower one's head.
