Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
木头(木頭)mùtou(mu4tou5)
木头 (mù tóu) primarily refers to a log or piece of wood, commonly used in contexts related to construction or crafts. Additionally, it can be used colloquially to describe someone as slow-witted or a blockhead, often in a teasing manner among friends or peers.
Frequency#4315DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese craftsmanship, wood has significant cultural importance, often associated with traditional carpentry and architecture. The term 木头 also reflects a humorous side of Chinese language, where playful insults among friends can indicate closeness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thick log of wood that is so heavy and solid that it can't think quickly, symbolizing a slow-witted person. The character 木 (mù) represents 'tree' or 'wood,' and 头 (tóu) means 'head,' reminding you of a 'head of wood' — someone who is a bit dense.
Meanings of 木头
mùtou(mu4tou5)
1slow-witted
2blockhead
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 木头
木头Simplified
木頭Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4315Frequency Rank
块Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 木头
Podcast: 木头
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 木头
Quick Contrast
木材 (mùcái) - use 木头 (mùtou) for a more informal or colloquial context, while 木材 (mùcái) is more technical and formal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a thick log of wood that is so heavy and solid that it can't think quickly, symbolizing a slow-witted person. The character 木 (mù) represents 'tree' or 'wood,' and 头 (tóu) means 'head,' reminding you of a 'head of wood' — someone who is a bit dense.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 木头 with similar-sounding or related words that have different meanings. While it's informal and can be playful, using it in a formal context may be inappropriate. Common collocations include 木头人 (mù tóu rén), meaning 'blockhead person'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 木头 connects to other vocabulary related to materials and qualities. Focus on understanding its dual meanings and practice using it in both contexts: as a physical object and as an idiomatic expression for intelligence.
Cultural Note
In Chinese craftsmanship, wood has significant cultural importance, often associated with traditional carpentry and architecture. The term 木头 also reflects a humorous side of Chinese language, where playful insults among friends can indicate closeness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 木头 by using it in overly formal contexts or confusing it with other materials. For example, saying '这是一块木头' (This is a piece of wood) is correct, but saying '他是木头' (He is a wood) without context may sound strange.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 木头
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 木头 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 木头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 木头
木头 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 4 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
他无法确定地板是____的还是石头的。
He could not tell whether the floor was wood or stone.
Example Sentences for 木头 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他无法确定地板是木头的还是石头的。
tā wú fǎ què dìng dì bǎn shì mù tóu de huán shì shí tóu de。
He could not tell whether the floor was wood or stone.
The piece was reduced in size by planing down the four corners.
7
打磨木头的表面，为刷清漆做准备。
dǎ mó mù tóu de biǎo miàn， ， wéi shuā qīng qī zuò zhǔn。
Rub the surface of the wood in preparation for the varnish.
8
他用钉子把两块木头接起来.
tā yòng dīng zǐ bǎ liǎng kuài mù tóu jiē qǐ lái.
He joined up the two pieces of wood together with nails.
9
把这块木头绑到那根竿子上使它更长些.
bǎ zhè kuài mù tóu bǎng dào nà gēn gān zǐ shàng shǐ tā gēng cháng xiē.
Lash the piece of wood to the pole to make it longer.
10
他把这块木头凿刻成人头的形状.
tā bǎ zhè kuài mù tóu záo kè chéng rén tóu de xíng zhuàng.
He chiseled the piece of wood into the shape of a head.
Cultural Notes for 木头
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese craftsmanship, wood has significant cultural importance, often associated with traditional carpentry and architecture. The term 木头 also reflects a humorous side of Chinese language, where playful insults among friends can indicate closeness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 木头
No, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a slow-witted person.
It can be playful among friends, but may be considered rude in formal settings.
Related terms include 木材 (mùcái - timber) and 木工 (mùgōng - woodworking).
