Thumbs up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈθəmz/ /ˈəp

THUMZ-UP

UK

θˈʌmz/ /ˈʌp

THUMZ-UP

Definition

A 'thumbs up' is a hand gesture where you raise your thumb to show approval, agreement, or that something is good. It can also mean to give support or a positive response, both in person and online.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal; used widely both in real life (hand gesture) and online (emoji 👍). Common in chats to show agreement or that a task is done. Not suitable for very formal situations. Can be used as a response ('Just give me a thumbs up if you agree.').

• Spanish: pulgar arriba - aprobado (gesto)
• Portuguese (BR): joinha - sinal de positivo
• Portuguese (PT): polegar para cima - sinal de positivo
• Chinese (Simplified): 竖大拇指 - 点赞 (手势)
• Chinese (Traditional): 比讚 - 豎起大拇指 (手勢)
• Hindi: अच्छा (अंगूठा ऊपर संकेत) - समर्थन (इशारा)
• Arabic: إعجاب (إشارة الإبهام للأعلى) - موافقة
• Bengali: থাম্বস আপ - ভালোবাসা চিহ্ন (হাতের ইশারা)
• Russian: лайк - жест 'палец вверх'
• Japanese: サムズアップ - 親指を立てるジェスチャー
• Vietnamese: giơ ngón tay cái lên - like (dấu 👍)
• Korean: 엄지척 - 좋아요 표시
• Turkish: baş parmak yukarı - beğeni işareti
• Urdu: انگوٹھا اوپر - پسندیدگی کا اشارہ
• Indonesian: jempol - tanda suka

Example Sentences

She gave me a thumbs up when I finished my homework.

basic

Can you give me a thumbs up if you agree?

basic

He sent a thumbs up emoji in the chat.

basic

Just give me a thumbs up when you’re ready to go.

natural

I posted my idea online and got a lot of thumbs up.

natural

She smiled and gave her boss a quick thumbs up after the meeting.

natural