Shrug Meaning in English
word
ˈʃɹəɡ
SHRUHG
ʃɹˈʌɡ
SHRUG
Definition
To quickly lift and lower your shoulders, often to show that you do not know something or do not care.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used as a verb ('to shrug') and in the phrase 'shrug your shoulders'. Common in casual or neutral contexts. Can suggest indifference, uncertainty, or resignation. Don’t confuse with 'shriek' (to scream).
Spanish: encogerse de hombrosPortuguese (BR): dar de ombrosPortuguese (PT): encolher os ombrosChinese (Simplified): 耸肩Chinese (Traditional): 聳肩Hindi: कंधे उचकानाArabic: هز الكتفينBengali: কাঁধ ঝাঁকানোRussian: пожимать плечамиJapanese: 肩をすくめるVietnamese: nhún vaiKorean: 어깨를 으쓱하다Turkish: omuz silkmekUrdu: کاندھے اچکاناIndonesian: mengangkat bahu
Example Sentences
He shrugged because he didn't know the answer.
basic
She only shrugged when I asked her what happened.
basic
Sometimes people shrug to show they don't care.
basic
I just shrugged and moved on—it wasn’t a big deal.
natural
Whenever I complain, he just shrugs and ignores me.
natural
You can’t just shrug off your responsibilities.
natural