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March 24, 2026
总统(總統)zǒngtǒng(zong3tong3)
The term '总统' (zǒngtǒng) refers to the president of a country, commonly used in political contexts. It signifies the highest-ranking official in a government, typically elected or appointed to lead the executive branch. This term is crucial in discussions about governance, politics, and international relations.
Frequency#589DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the position of president has historical significance, especially in the context of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China, reflecting the country's revolutionary past and current governance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand palace where the '总' (zǒng) leader, wearing a regal crown, oversees the nation. The '统' (tǒng) part can remind you of 'toning' or 'controlling' things under his leadership. Together, they visualize a powerful president maintaining order in the land.
Meanings of 总统
zǒngtǒng(zong3tong3)
1president (of a country)
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About 总统
总统Simplified
總統Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#589Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 总统
Podcast: 总统
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AI Study Notes for 总统
Quick Contrast
国家元首 (guójiā yuánshǒu) - use '总统' when specifically referring to a president, while '国家元首' is a broader term that can include monarchs and other heads of state.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand palace where the '总' (zǒng) leader, wearing a regal crown, oversees the nation. The '统' (tǒng) part can remind you of 'toning' or 'controlling' things under his leadership. Together, they visualize a powerful president maintaining order in the land.
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, '总统' is often used with titles or names, such as '美国总统' (the President of the United States). A common mistake is using informal terms for a president, which can lead to confusion about respect and authority. Be cautious with tones: '总统' is pronounced with a third tone for both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 term, '总统' connects well with other political vocabulary such as '政府' (government) and '议会' (parliament). Students should focus on understanding the context in which political terms are used in discussions or news articles.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the position of president has historical significance, especially in the context of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China, reflecting the country's revolutionary past and current governance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '总统' with '国家领导人' (guójiā lǐngdǎorén), which means 'national leader' and can imply a broader range of positions. Always use '总统' when specifically referring to a president.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 总统
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Grammar Patterns of 总统
总统 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
刚出首都，____无人护卫的汽车就遭到了伏击。
The President's unescorted vehicle was ambushed just outside the capital.
Example Sentences for 总统 (10)
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1
刚出首都，总统无人护卫的汽车就遭到了伏击。
gāng chū shǒu dū， ， zǒng tǒng wú rén hù wèi de qì chē jiù zāo dào le fú。
The President's unescorted vehicle was ambushed just outside the capital.
2
总统谈及了敌人的奸诈用心。
zǒng tǒng tán jí le dí rén de jiān zhà yòng xīn。
The President spoke of the treacherous intentions of the enemy.
3
这条规定赋予了总统绝对及不受约束的权力。
zhè tiáo guī dìng fù yú le zǒng tǒng jué duì jí bù shòu yuē shù de quán lì。
This provision gives the president total and unchecked power.
4
我认为总统拒绝这一提议是正确的。
wǒ rèn wéi zǒng tǒng jù jué zhè yī tí yì shì zhèng què de。
I think the president was correct to reject the offer.
5
一场更为艰巨的战斗正等待着总统。
yī cháng gēng wéi jiān jù de zhàn dǒu zhèng děng dài zháo zǒng tǒng。
A much bigger battle is ahead for the president.
6
她早些时候辞去了梅内姆总统助理一职。
tā zǎo xiē shí hòu cí qù le méi nèi mǔ zǒng tǒng zhù lǐ yī zhí。
She had earlier resigned her post as President Menem's assistant.
A national poll shows the presidential race in a dead heat.
8
总统一职似乎正在沦为政治上的摆设。
zǒng tǒng yī zhí sì hū zhèng zài lún wéi zhèng zhì shàng de bǎi shè。
The presidency is beginning to appear a political irrelevance.
9
总统的使节开始了又一次外交之旅。
zǒng tǒng de shǐ jié kāi shǐ le yòu yī cì wài jiāo zhī lǚ。
The President's envoy set off on another diplomatic trip.
10
一项宪法修正案使得任何总统的任职不得超过两届。
yī xiàng xiàn fǎ xiū zhèng àn shǐ dé rèn hé zǒng tǒng de rèn zhí bù dé chāo guò liǎng jiè。
A constitutional amendment precludes any president from serving more than two terms.
Cultural Notes for 总统
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the position of president has historical significance, especially in the context of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China, reflecting the country's revolutionary past and current governance.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While both Chinese and Western cultures recognize the concept of a president, the political powers and societal expectations associated with the role can vary significantly, with Chinese presidents often holding more centralized power compared to their Western counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 总统
While '总统' refers specifically to a president, '首相' (shǒuxiàng) refers to a prime minister, who may be the head of government in parliamentary systems.
You can say '他是中国的总统' (Tā shì Zhōngguó de zǒngtǒng), meaning 'He is the president of China.'
It is generally used in formal contexts, but can appear in informal discussions when talking about politics.
