Wave at Meaning in English
expression
ˈweɪv/ /ˈæt
WAYV-at
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 aPortuguese (BR): acenar paraPortuguese (PT): acenar aChinese (Simplified): 朝...挥手Chinese (Traditional): 向...揮手Hindi: की ओर हाथ हिलानाArabic: يُلوِّح لـِBengali: 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