首をかしげる

• Reading: くびをかしげる
• Romaji: kubi wo kashigeru
• Kanji breakdown: 首 (shu/kubi) — neck, head
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.bi.o.ka.ɕi.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To tilt one's head to the side in doubt or confusion; to be puzzled; to be skeptical.

An idiomatic expression using the Group 2 (ichidan) verb かしげる (to incline). Describes the universal gesture of tilting one's head when uncertain or doubtful. Frequently used in narrative writing and everyday speech to express puzzlement or skepticism.

Examples

1. その説明を聞いて、みんな首をかしげた。 Everyone tilted their heads in confusion after hearing that explanation.
2. 彼の行動に首をかしげるばかりだ。 His behavior just leaves me scratching my head.
3. 子供が不思議そうに首をかしげている。 The child is tilting their head with a look of curiosity.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, daily life, news

Tone: puzzled

Origin & History

From 首 (neck, head) and かしげる (to tilt, incline). Describes the natural human gesture of inclining the head when processing confusing or doubtful information.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal