点头 (diǎn tóu) literally means 'to dot the head' — combining 点 (diǎn), meaning 'to tap, touch lightly, or nod', and 头 (tóu), meaning 'head'. It describes the small downward-and-upward movement of the head used to signal agreement, acknowledgment, greeting, or understanding. Unlike a shake of the head (摇头), which signals refusal, nodding is universally recognized across Chinese-speaking communities as a positive or affirming gesture.

This verb is commonly used in face-to-face interactions, formal meetings, classroom settings, and everyday conversations. It can function as a standalone action ('He nodded.') or appear with aspect particles like 了 (le) or 着 (zhe) to indicate completion or continuity. While often physical, it may also appear metaphorically in written or formal contexts (e.g., 'nodding in approval'). It’s rarely used as a noun in modern Mandarin — its primary role is verbal.