首当其冲 (shǒudāngqíchōng) means to be the first to bear the brunt of something, often used to describe a person or thing that is directly affected by an event or situation, especially in a negative context. It emphasizes the idea of being in the frontline or facing the initial impact of an attack or challenge.
HSK 6, 32 strokes, Hard
shǒudāngqíchōng(shou3dang1qi2chong1) T3
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May 27, 2026
首当其冲shǒudāngqíchōng(shou3dang1qi2chong1)
首当其冲 (shǒudāngqíchōng) means to be the first to bear the brunt of something, often used to describe a person or thing that is directly affected by an event or situation, especially in a negative context. It emphasizes the idea of being in the frontline or facing the initial impact of an attack or challenge.
Strokes32Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
This phrase often appears in discussions about social justice in China, particularly when addressing issues where marginalized groups are disproportionately affected, such as environmental disasters or economic downturns.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier at the front line (首) who is the first (当) to encounter an enemy charge (其冲). The visual of someone standing bravely at the forefront helps connect the character components: 首 (head/first) and 冲 (to charge).
About 首当其冲
首当其冲Simplified
32Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 首当其冲
Podcast: 首当其冲
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AI Study Notes for 首当其冲
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier at the front line (首) who is the first (当) to encounter an enemy charge (其冲). The visual of someone standing bravely at the forefront helps connect the character components: 首 (head/first) and 冲 (to charge).
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or discussions about challenges faced by individuals or groups. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply just being affected rather than being the first to face the impact. Common collocations include '首当其冲的责任' (the responsibility that bears the brunt).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, learners should focus on using this phrase in discussions about social issues or conflicts, as it helps articulate complex ideas succinctly. Connecting it with vocabulary about challenges or responsibilities (like 责任) can deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
This phrase often appears in discussions about social justice in China, particularly when addressing issues where marginalized groups are disproportionately affected, such as environmental disasters or economic downturns.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use this phrase in contexts where someone is simply affected without being the first to face the impact. For example, saying '他首当其冲地受到影响' (He was affected first) should be corrected to '他是首当其冲的受害者' (He is the first victim).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 首当其冲
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Cultural Notes for 首当其冲
🏮Cultural insight
This phrase often appears in discussions about social justice in China, particularly when addressing issues where marginalized groups are disproportionately affected, such as environmental disasters or economic downturns.
Frequently Asked Questions about 首当其冲
It literally translates to 'the first to be hit' or 'first to bear the brunt'.
While it can be used in informal conversations, it is more commonly found in formal settings or written language.
Yes, similar expressions include '首位' (first position) and '首要' (primary), but they lack the connotation of facing an impact.
