Definition
摆手 is a separable verb (离合词) that means 'to wave one's hand' — for greeting, saying goodbye, or signaling disapproval/refusal. It can also refer to the natural arm swinging while walking. Because it's separable, you can insert a subject, time phrase, or complement between 摆 and 手, like 摆了摆手 ('waved once/a bit') or 摆一摆手 ('give a wave'). You cannot directly attach an object; instead say 向他摆手 ('wave to him').
v.o.
to wave one's hand (in greeting, farewell, or to signal no/stop)to swing one's arms (while walking)
Examples
- ，。Tā xiàng wǒ bǎi le bǎi shǒu, shìyì wǒ guòqù.He waved to me, signaling for me to come over.
- ，。Bié bǎi shǒu le, wǒ yǐjīng zhīdào le.Stop waving your hand — I already know.
- ，。Zǒulù shí zìrán yìdiǎn, bù bì kèyì bǎi shǒu.Walk naturally, no need to swing your arms deliberately.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.