Wave off Meaning in English
expression
ˈweɪv/ /ˈɔf
WAYV-AWF
wˈeɪv/ /ˈɒf
WAYV-OF
Definition
To make a hand gesture to say goodbye or to dismiss someone or something with a wave of the hand. It can mean either saying farewell or showing that you are not interested.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal; often used to describe a quick or casual gesture. Can be both literal (physically waving) or figurative (showing disregard). Phrases: 'wave someone off', 'wave off concerns'. Not the same as 'wave' (simple greeting/farewell).
Spanish: hacer un gesto de despedida - despreciar con un gestoPortuguese (BR): despedir acenando - dispensar com um acenoPortuguese (PT): despedir com um aceno - dispensar com um gestoChinese (Simplified): 挥手告别 - 挥手拒绝Chinese (Traditional): 揮手告別 - 揮手拒絕Hindi: हाथ हिलाकर विदा करना - हाथ के इशारे से मना करनाArabic: يُلوِّح مودِّعًا - يَصدُّ بإشارة اليدBengali: হাত নাড়া দিয়ে বিদায় দেওয়া - হাত নেড়ে উপেক্ষা করাRussian: махнуть рукой (на прощание) - отмахнутьсяJapanese: 手を振って見送る - 手を振って拒否するVietnamese: vẫy tay chào tạm biệt - xua tay từ chốiKorean: 손을 흔들어 인사하다 - 손짓으로 거절하다Turkish: el sallayarak uğurlamak - el hareketiyle reddetmekUrdu: ہاتھ ہلا کر رخصت کرنا - ہاتھ کے اشارے سے نظرانداز کرناIndonesian: melambaikan tangan untuk berpamitan - melambaikan tangan untuk menolak
Example Sentences
She waved off her friend at the airport.
basic
He tried to help, but she waved him off.
basic
The coach waved off the referee's suggestion.
basic
I tried to warn him, but he just waved me off.
natural
Don't just wave off my concerns—they're serious.
natural
We stood outside to wave off the newlyweds as they left the party.
natural