gestures
gestures — 名詞
1. a movement of part of your body, especially your hands or head, that communicate
手勢
用手或身體表達想法
a movement of part of your body, especially your hands or head, that communicates a feeling, an idea, or an instruction without using spoken words
Mei made a gesture to show she did not know the answer.
梅伊做了一個手勢，表示她不知道答案。
The teacher used a hand gesture to tell the class to be quiet.
老師用手勢示意全班安靜。
collocation: hand gesture
Ahmed nodded, and his small gesture meant he agreed with the plan.
阿梅德點了點頭，這個小動作表示他同意這個計畫。
In Japan, a bow is a common gesture that shows respect toward others.
在日本，鞠躬是一種常見的表示尊重的手勢。
Olga's thumbs-up gesture let everyone know the test results were good.
奧爾嘉豎起大拇指的手勢讓大家知道測驗結果不錯。
文法句型
make + a gesture
with + a + [adjective] + gesture
用法筆記
The uncountable form refers to the general practice of using body movements to communicate (e.g. 'Gesture is an important part of how people talk in Italy.').
常見錯誤
2. something you do that shows how you feel toward someone, even if the action itse
表示；姿態
表達心意但未必有效用
something you do that shows how you feel toward someone, even if the action itself has little practical effect — for example, sending flowers to say sorry or donating money as a show of support
Sending a birthday card is a simple gesture that can make someone feel loved.
寄生日卡片是一種簡單的表示，能讓對方感到被關心。
collocation: simple gesture
The company made a gesture of goodwill by donating to the local school.
公司向當地學校捐款，做出善意的表示。
collocation: gesture of goodwill
José brought coffee for his colleagues — a small gesture that everyone appreciated.
荷西幫同事買了咖啡——這個小舉動讓大家都感到很窩心。
Offering to help was a kind gesture, even though Fatima said she could manage alone.
主動提供幫助是一個友善的表示，即使法蒂瑪說她自己處理得來。
The landlord lowered the rent — a generous gesture toward the tenants.
房東降低了租金——這對房客來說是很大方的表示。
- token
emphasises the symbolic, not practical, nature of the action
- expression
broader — can be a word or look, not necessarily an action
- tribute
more formal and specific to showing respect or admiration
文法句型
[adjective] + gesture
gesture + of + [noun]
as a gesture + of + [noun]
用法筆記
Often paired with an adjective that names the feeling behind the action (kind, generous, empty, symbolic). The 'little practical effect' part distinguishes this sense from noun sense 1 — here the focus is on the intention, not the physical movement.
常見錯誤
gestures — 動詞
1. to move your hand, head, or another part of your body in order to communicate a
做手勢
以肢體動作傳達訊息
to move your hand, head, or another part of your body in order to communicate a message, a feeling, or an instruction to someone
Wei gestured toward the empty seat, inviting his friend to sit down.
魏指向空位，邀請朋友坐下。
gesture + toward + [noun]
The police officer gestured for the cars to stop at the crossing.
警察做手勢示意車輛在路口停下。
gesture + for + person + to-infinitive
When the singer finished, the crowd gestured wildly for her to return to the stage.
歌手表演結束後，觀眾用力揮手要她回到台上。
Amina gestured to the waiter that she wanted the bill.
阿米娜向服務生示意她要買單。
Diego gestured across the table, signalling that the discussion was over.
迪亞哥在桌上做了一個手勢，表示討論到此為止。
文法句型
gesture + to/at + person
gesture + for + action
gesture + that-clause
gesture + [noun] (rare)
用法筆記
The thing being communicated is usually made clear from context or expressed in a separate clause — e.g. 'She gestured for them to wait' rather than 'She gestured waiting.' The transitive use (e.g. 'He gestured his approval') is possible but less common.