Beckon to Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɛkən/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
BEK-uhn too, BEK-uhn tuh, BEK-uhn ti
bˈɛkən/ /tˈuː
BEK-uhn TOO
Definition
To make a gesture with your hand or head to ask someone to come over or follow you.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal or literary; often used for inviting someone over discreetly. Common with "beckon to someone" or "beckon for someone to come." Not the same as waving; 'beckon' is usually more subtle.
Spanish: hacer señas a - llamar con un gestoPortuguese (BR): chamar com um gesto - acenar paraPortuguese (PT): chamar com um gesto - acenar paraChinese (Simplified): 招手示意 - 用手势叫Chinese (Traditional): 招手示意 - 用手勢叫Hindi: इशारे से बुलानाArabic: يُشير إلى (ليدعوه)Bengali: ইশারায় ডাকাRussian: манить рукойJapanese: 手招きする - 合図して呼ぶVietnamese: ra hiệu cho - vẫy gọiKorean: 손짓하다 - 손짓으로 부르다Turkish: el ile çağırmak - işaretle çağırmakUrdu: اشارے سے بلاناIndonesian: memanggil dengan isyarat - melambaikan tangan untuk memanggil
Example Sentences
He beckoned to his friend to come over.
basic
The teacher beckoned to the students to pay attention.
basic
She beckoned to the waiter for the check.
basic
The mysterious man in the corner kept beckoning to me all evening.
natural
If you need help, just beckon to me from across the room.
natural
Instead of shouting, he simply beckoned to us when it was our turn.
natural