Problem understanding the use of "cabeza"

Question

Hola,

In a reading lesson I have come upon a couple of uses of 'cabeza' that leave me wondering what is meant. I don't know if I am misinterpreting or just don't understand the meaning.

1. Todas contestan que si con la cabeza.

Does this mean they all agree by nodding their heads? Or something else?

1. Sí, siento llegar tarde, explica el chico con la cabeza.

"Yes, sorry to be late said the boy with his head." does not make good sense to me.

If someone can give me some clarification on this or show me my mistakes I will be most appreciative.

¡Gracias!

X

Answer 1

To nod has no translation to Spanish, so we must use:

asentir con la cabeza, or simply con la cabeza

Why would he nod his head in the second sentence? - 00d7cd75, Feb 5, 2010

Gracias! :) - 00d7cd75, Feb 5, 2010

Answer 2

Sí, siento llegar tarde, explica el chico con la cabeza. does not make sense even in Spanish... unless the unique style of a literary text provides a proper context for that sentence. Wish I could make explanation by a single movement of my head!

That's the same thing I thought. This is a beginner's story so maybe they want to repeat the phrase for learning purposes. Gracias! - 00d7cd75, Feb 5, 2010