World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionaries肩をすくめる
Native Script:日本語
Pronunciation / Transliteration: kata o sukumeru
"彼は分からないというように肩をすくめた。"
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To raise and lower the shoulders to express doubt, indifference, or lack of knowledge.
"When asked about the missing documents, he just could only shrug."
- 1
An upward movement of the shoulders expressing indifference or uncertainty.
"Her response was merely a dismissive shrug."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Middle English word 'shruggen', likely of Scandinavian origin related to Old Norse roots meaning to shiver or shudder. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from a shuddering or trembling movement to the specific physical gesture of raising and lowering the shoulders to express doubt, indifference, or ignorance.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Shrug"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Shrug" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
hausser les épaules
Transliteration: o-se le-z‿e-pol
"Il a haussé les épaules pour montrer son indifférence."
mit den Schultern zucken
Transliteration: mit den ˈʃʊltɐn ˈtsʊkn̩
"Er zuckte nur mit den Schultern als Antwort."
alzare le spalle
Transliteration: al-ˈdza-re le ˈspal-le
"Ha alzato le spalle per indicare che non sapeva nulla."
encogerse de hombros
Transliteration: en-ko-ˈxher-se de ˈom-bros
"Se encogió de hombros ante la pregunta."
dar de ombros
Transliteration: daɾ dʒi ˈõbɾus
"Ele apenas deu de ombros quando soube da notícia."
कंधे उचकाना
Transliteration: kandhe uchakana
Script: हिंदी देवनागरी
"उसने अनभिज्ञता जताते हुए अपने कंधे उचकाए।"
耸肩
Transliteration: sǒng jiān
Script: 中文汉字
"他只是耸了耸肩，表示自己也不知道。"
어깨를 무드다
Transliteration: eokkaereul mutda
Script: 한국어 한글
"그는 모른다는 듯 어깨를 으쓱였다."
肩をすくめる
Transliteration: kata o sukumeru
Script: 日本語
"彼は分からないというように肩をすくめた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Japanese termsA volatile, flammable, colorless liquid ketone with a characteristic pungent odor, widely used as an organic solvent and in the manufacture of plastics and other chemicals.
An intensive training program in human potential and personal awareness popular in the 1970s.
Designating a word or expression whose meaning is dependent on the context in which it is used, such as time, place, or the identity of the speaker.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Shrug"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.