Wag a finger Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈwæɡ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfɪŋɡɝ

WAG-uh-FING-ger

UK

wˈæɡ/ /æɪ/ /fˈɪŋɡɐ

WAG-uh-FING-guh

Definition

To move your finger from side to side, usually to show disapproval, warning, or to tell someone not to do something.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used to describe a physical gesture; often indicates mild scolding, warning, or disapproval. Common in phrases like 'wag a finger at someone.' Sometimes used metaphorically to mean 'express disapproval.' Rare in formal writing.

• Spanish: menear el dedo (en señal de desaprobación) - mover el dedo (de advertencia)
• Portuguese (BR): abanar o dedo (em sinal de reprovação)
• Portuguese (PT): abanar o dedo (em sinal de reprovação)
• Chinese (Simplified): 摇手指（表示不赞成或警告）
• Chinese (Traditional): 搖手指（表示不贊成或警告）
• Hindi: उंगली हिलाना (डाँटने या चेतावनी देने का इशारा)
• Arabic: يهز الإصبع (للتوبيخ أو التحذير)
• Bengali: আঙুল নাড়ানো
• Russian: погрозить пальцем - помахать пальцем
• Japanese: 指を振る
• Vietnamese: lắc ngón tay
• Korean: 손가락을 흔들다
• Turkish: parmağını sallamak
• Urdu: انگلی ہلانا
• Indonesian: menggoyangkan jari

Example Sentences

My teacher wagged a finger at me when I was talking in class.

basic

Please don’t wag your finger at your brother.

basic

She wagged a finger to warn the child not to touch the stove.

basic

Every time I come home late, my mom wags her finger at me.

natural

He just wagged a finger instead of getting angry.

natural

The principal wagged his finger at us after we ran in the hallway.

natural