Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
脑袋(腦袋)nǎodai(nao3dai5)
脑袋 (nǎodai) refers to the head or skull, but it can also imply mental capability or intelligence. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss someone's cognitive abilities or physical head.
Frequency#1320DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the head is often associated with respect and authority, which is reflected in phrases like '顶天立地' (standing tall) that emphasize mental strength and presence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'brain' (脑) sitting on top of a 'dai' (袋) or bag. Picture someone carrying a bag full of brains, emphasizing the connection between the head and intelligence as they walk around with their '头' (head) held high.
Meanings of 脑袋
nǎodai(nao3dai5)
1head
2skull
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 脑袋
脑袋Simplified
腦袋Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1320Frequency Rank
颗Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 脑袋
Podcast: 脑袋
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 脑袋
Quick Contrast
脑 (nǎo) — use 脑袋 when referring to the physical head or informal discussions about intelligence, while 脑 emphasizes the brain as an organ or in more technical contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'brain' (脑) sitting on top of a 'dai' (袋) or bag. Picture someone carrying a bag full of brains, emphasizing the connection between the head and intelligence as they walk around with their '头' (head) held high.
Usage Notes
In informal conversations, 脑袋 can be used to denote someone's intelligence or common sense, which may not be appropriate in formal settings. Be careful with the tone; using it in a derogatory way might offend someone, so context is key.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 vocabulary word, 脑袋 is often used in discussions about mental processes, making it useful when learning about emotions or decision-making. Focus on collocations like '脑袋疼' (headache) or '脑袋空' (mind blank) to deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the head is often associated with respect and authority, which is reflected in phrases like '顶天立地' (standing tall) that emphasize mental strength and presence.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 脑袋 with 头 (tóu), which also means head but is more general. For example, saying '我有一个脑袋痛' (I have a head pain) should be corrected to '我头痛' (I have a headache).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脑袋
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 脑袋 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 脑袋 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 脑袋
脑袋 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 6 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 5
Complete the Sentence
球砸中他的____，从而让他化解了一次射门。
He saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head.
Example Sentences for 脑袋 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
球砸中他的脑袋，从而让他化解了一次射门。
qiú zá zhōng tā de nǎo dài， ， cóng ér ràng tā huà jiě le yī cì shè。
He saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head.
2
她用力把烟灰缸从房间那头扔过来，差点砸到我的脑袋。
tā yòng lì bǎ yān huī gāng cóng fáng jiān nà tóu rēng guò lái， ， chà diǎn zá dào wǒ de nǎo。
She hurled the ashtray across the room, narrowly missing my head.
3
她使出全身力气抡起榔头砸向他的脑袋。
tā shǐ chū quán shēn lì qì lūn qǐ láng tóu zá xiàng tā de nǎo dài。
She swung the hammer at his head with all her might.
4
他一放手，脑袋便垂向一侧。
tā yī fàng shǒu， ， nǎo dài biàn chuí xiàng yī。
When he let go the head lolled sideways.
5
她脑袋耷拉着,疼得直不起腰.
tā nǎo dài dā lā zháo, , téng dé zhí bù qǐ.
Her back was bent with pain and her head was low.
6
他轻轻地抱着婴儿，双手托着她的小脑袋。
tā qīng qīng dì bào zháo yīng ér， ， shuāng shǒu tuō zháo tā de xiǎo nǎo。
He cradled the baby in his arms, his hands cupping her tiny skull.
7
我敢用自己的脑袋来打赌, 这一定是你的那个维达·舍温说的.
wǒ gǎn yòng zì jǐ de nǎo dài lái dǎ dǔ, , zhè yī dìng shì nǐ de nà gè wéi· dá · shě wēn.
I'll bet a hat. It was your Vida Sherwin who said that.
8
如果他敢动手, 我就打碎他的脑袋.
rú guǒ tā gǎn dòng shǒu, , wǒ jiù dǎ suì tā de nǎo.
If he lays a hand on me, I'll brain him.
9
他们举着棍子监视着他，好像要揍扁他的脑袋。
tā mén jǔ zháo gùn zǐ jiān shì zháo tā， ， hǎo xiàng yào zòu biǎn tā de nǎo。
They stood over him with clubs raised as if to beat his brains out.
10
此刻劳森激动得脸都白了, 他又开始为那个脑袋来煊染一番了.
cǐ kè láo sēn jī dòng dé liǎn dū bái le, , tā yòu kāi shǐ wéi nà gè nǎo dài lái xuān rǎn yī fān.
Lawson, white with passion now, began to defend the head.
Cultural Notes for 脑袋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the head is often associated with respect and authority, which is reflected in phrases like '顶天立地' (standing tall) that emphasize mental strength and presence.
Frequently Asked Questions about 脑袋
脑袋 is generally considered informal and is often used in casual conversations.
Yes, 脑袋 can refer to someone's mental capabilities, but be cautious of the context to avoid sounding disrespectful.
脑 refers specifically to the brain, while 脑袋 refers to the head as a whole, including the skull.
