How to say "nod" in Japanese

• 頷くうなずくCommon
  godan verb, intransitive verbThe verb 'to nod': to move the head up and down, typically in assent or agreement, as when you nod to show that you agree with what someone says.
  私は同意どういしたということをうなずいて知しらせた。↗

  I nodded to show that I agreed.
• 会釈えしゃくCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbA slight bow made as a greeting or to show gratitude; its 'nod' sense is this small acknowledging gesture, so it fits a nod of greeting rather than nodding in agreement.
  ただ会釈えしゃくをするだけなのに、妙みょうにしゃちほこ張はってしまった。↗

  It was just a simple greeting, but somehow I got strangely tense.

Use 「頷く」 for the verb 'to nod', moving the head in assent or agreement; 会釈 is a noun for a slight bow, matching 'nod' as a greeting or salutation rather than an act of agreeing.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 頷くうなずくto nod
• 会釈えしゃくslight bow (as a greeting or sign of gratitude)
• うなずきnod
• 頭を縦に振るかしらをたてにふるto nod (in agreement)