Meanings of 头
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About 头
Podcast: 头
Podcast: 头
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AI Study Notes for 头
首 (shǒu) - use 头 (tóu) when referring specifically to the physical head or the top part of something; 首 (shǒu) is more commonly used to denote leadership or the first in a sequence.
Imagine a head (头) on top of a tall tower. The top (头) of the tower symbolizes a leader, or 'chief', standing tall. The character is made up of the radical for 'head' (亻) which can remind you of the human aspect of leadership.
When using 头, ensure that you are aware of its context, as it can refer to physical heads, leadership roles, or beginnings. It is often seen in compound words like 领导 (lǐngdǎo - leadership). Be careful with its tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 头 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is foundational as it connects to many vocabulary words related to leadership and orientation. Focus on its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions to enhance your fluency.
In Chinese culture, the concept of '头' is significant in leadership and hierarchy, often referring to the head of a family, organization, or community. The importance of having a '头' reflects traditional values of respect for authority.
Learners often confuse 头 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying 'tāo' instead of 'tóu' can lead to misunderstandings since '头' has distinct meanings compared to other characters. Always practice the tone to avoid confusion.
Pronunciation of 头
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Etymology of 头
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.
high
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 头?
Decomposition of 头
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 头?
Write 头
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Practice writing 头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 头
头 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 18 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
你的____发很长。
Your hair is long.
Common Confusions with 头
Same pinyin but different meaning
Spot the Difference
Which character means "head"?
Example Sentences for 头 (10)
Cultural Notes for 头
In Chinese culture, a person's head is considered sacred. In traditional practices, it's disrespectful to touch someone's head without permission, as it is seen as a personal space.
In Chinese culture, the concept of '头' is significant in leadership and hierarchy, often referring to the head of a family, organization, or community. The importance of having a '头' reflects traditional values of respect for authority.
头头是道 (tóu tóu shì dào) means that everything is clear and logical, often used to describe a well-organized presentation or argument.
Word Family of 头
Compound Meaning
What does 实 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 头
头 (tóu) typically refers to the head or top of something, while 首 (shǒu) is often used to indicate the first in a sequence or a leader. For example, '首都' (shǒudū) means 'capital city', whereas '头' can be used more broadly in physical contexts.