This hand gesture can be interpreted in various ways, from a strong refusal like "stop it" to a gentle request like "please wait a moment." It's useful when you want to pause the flow of a conversation.

It's similar to the "Talk to the hand" gesture popular in 1990s American pop culture, so it can also carry the firm meaning of not wanting to hear what the other person is saying. However, it's usually used more positively for high fives or friendly greetings, so context is key.