Meanings of 頭
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About 頭
Podcast: 頭
Podcast: 頭
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AI Study Notes for 頭
首 (shǒu) - use 頭 (tóu) for the physical 'head' or metaphorical 'top' position, while 首 (shǒu) emphasizes the concept of 'first' or 'leader' in a more formal or specific context.
When using 頭, be cautious about its collocations, such as 頭痛 (tóutòng) meaning 'headache.' Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters, such as 头 (tóu), which is the simplified form. The tone is crucial; ensure to pronounce it with a rising tone.
Although 頭 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary related to people and leadership. Students should focus on its use in compound words and phrases to better understand its application in context.
Learners often confuse 頭 (tóu) with 头 (tóu), the simplified version. A common mistake is using 頭 in contexts where the simplified form is needed, such as in casual writing or digital communication.
Pronunciation of 頭
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Etymology of 頭
Phonosemantic compound. 頁 represents the meaning and 豆 represents the sound. The simplified character 头 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 頭.
head
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 頭
Phonosemantic compound. 頁 represents the meaning and 豆 represents the sound. The simplified character 头 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 頭.
- 1The meaning half頁 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half豆 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhead
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 頭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 頭
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How to say head; chief, boss; first, top in Chinese
“head; chief, boss; first, top” in Chinese is頭
The character 頭 (tóu) primarily means 'head' and can also refer to a chief or boss in various contexts. Additionally, it signifies 'first' or 'top,' indicating a position of prominence or leadership. This character is commonly used in phrases related to leadership or the top position in various fields.
When to use 頭
When using 頭, be cautious about its collocations, such as 頭痛 (tóutòng) meaning 'headache.' Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters, such as 头 (tóu), which is the simplified form. The tone is crucial; ensure to pronounce it with a rising tone.
頭 or something close to it
首 (shǒu) - use 頭 (tóu) for the physical 'head' or metaphorical 'top' position, while 首 (shǒu) emphasizes the concept of 'first' or 'leader' in a more formal or specific context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 頭 (tóu) with 头 (tóu), the simplified version. A common mistake is using 頭 in contexts where the simplified form is needed, such as in casual writing or digital communication.
Write 頭
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Word Family of 頭
Compound Meaning
What does 头 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 頭
It is pronounced as 'tóu' with a rising tone.
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