Wave at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈweɪv/ /ˈæt

WAYV-at

UK

wˈeɪv/ /ˈæt

WAYV-at

Definition

To raise your hand and move it from side to side to greet, say goodbye, or get someone's attention.

Usage & Nuances

Used for friendly greetings or signals from a distance. Always requires a target ("wave at someone"). Do not say "wave someone"; include the "at". Can indicate hello, goodbye, or drawing attention.

• Spanish: saludar con la mano a - hacer señas a
• Portuguese (BR): acenar para
• Portuguese (PT): acenar a
• Chinese (Simplified): 朝...挥手
• Chinese (Traditional): 向...揮手
• Hindi: की ओर हाथ हिलाना
• Arabic: يُلوِّح لـِ
• Bengali: হাত নাড়ানো (কারো দিকে) - ইশারায় হাত দেখানো (কারো উদ্দেশে)
• Russian: помахать (кому-то) - махать рукой (кому-то)
• Japanese: 手を振る (〜に)
• Vietnamese: vẫy tay (với ai đó)
• Korean: 손을 흔들다 (누구에게)
• Turkish: el sallamak (birine)
• Urdu: ہلانا (کسی کی طرف ہاتھ) - ہاتھ سے اشارہ کرنا (کسی کو)
• Indonesian: melambaikan tangan (kepada seseorang)

Example Sentences

I always wave at my neighbor in the morning.

basic

Please wave at the camera for the photo!

basic

The children waved at their parents from the stage.

basic

She spotted me from across the street and waved at me with a big smile.

natural

Even if he doesn’t know you well, he’ll wave at you when he sees you.

natural

After the train left, we all stood there, still waving at Mom until she was out of sight.

natural