French Phrase
Ça veut dire quoi, un hochement de tête ?
Meaning
This is a colloquial way to ask for the definition of a specific term or gesture. The structure uses 'ça veut dire quoi' which is the standard informal way to ask 'what does it mean' in spoken French.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings when you encounter an unfamiliar vocabulary word or a cultural gesture. It is perfect for real-time learning during a conversation with native speakers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çaveut direquoiun hochement de tête
Ça veut dire quoi
This is the informal spoken version of 'Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire'. In casual French, the question word 'quoi' often moves to the end.
Hochement
A masculine noun derived from the verb 'hocher' (to nod or shake). It specifically refers to the physical action of moving the head.
🗨In Conversation
Il m'a répondu par un simple hochement de tête.
He answered me with a simple nod of the head.
Ça veut dire quoi, un hochement de tête ?
What does a nod of the head mean?
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire quoi un hochement de tête ?
Do not combine 'Qu'est-ce que' with 'quoi' at the end; choose one structure or the other.
Ça veut dire quoi une hochement de tête ?
'Hochement' is a masculine noun, so it requires the article 'un' instead of 'une'.
↔Alternatives
Que signifie un hochement de tête ?
What does a nod of the head signify?
C'est quoi, un hochement de tête ?
What is a nod of the head?
Cultural Tip
While a 'hochement de tête' usually refers to a vertical nod for 'yes' in France, the verb 'hocher' can sometimes be used for a side-to-side movement of doubt. Pay attention to the speed and facial expression to distinguish between agreement and hesitation.