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March 24, 2026
领袖(領袖)lǐngxiù(ling3xiu4)
The term '领袖' (lǐngxiù) refers to a leader, someone who guides or directs a group or organization. It is often used in political, social, or organizational contexts to denote authority and influence. The nuance suggests not just any leader, but one who is respected and looked up to by others.
Frequency#3658DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of a '领袖' has been significant, especially during revolutionary periods where strong leaders were pivotal in shaping the nation. The reverence for leaders in Chinese culture is often reflected in literature and political discourse.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'leader' (领) wearing a 'crown' (袖) that signifies their authority. The shape of the character 领 resembles a person leading others, while 袖 can be imagined as flowing sleeves of a leader's robe, symbolizing their status. Together, they form the idea of a respected leader.
Meanings of 领袖
lǐngxiù(ling3xiu4)
1leader
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 领袖
领袖Simplified
領袖Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3658Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 领袖
Podcast: 领袖
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AI Study Notes for 领袖
Quick Contrast
领袖 (lǐngxiù) vs 领导 (lǐngdǎo): Use 领袖 when emphasizing respect and influence, while 领导 focuses more on the act of leading or managing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'leader' (领) wearing a 'crown' (袖) that signifies their authority. The shape of the character 领 resembles a person leading others, while 袖 can be imagined as flowing sleeves of a leader's robe, symbolizing their status. Together, they form the idea of a respected leader.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '领袖' with the more general term for leader, '领导' (lǐngdǎo), which can have a broader application. '领袖' is more formal and often used in political contexts. Ensure the correct tone is used when speaking, as the third tone (领) and fourth tone (袖) can be tricky.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '领袖' connects with themes of leadership and authority found in other Level 6 vocabulary. Students should focus on the context in which leadership is discussed in Chinese culture, and practice using it in sentences about leaders in history or current events.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of a '领袖' has been significant, especially during revolutionary periods where strong leaders were pivotal in shaping the nation. The reverence for leaders in Chinese culture is often reflected in literature and political discourse.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '领袖' with '领导', using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他是公司的领袖' (He is the company's leader) might sound strange in a business context where '领导' would be more appropriate. Always choose based on the context of respect and authority.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 领袖
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Grammar Patterns of 领袖
领袖 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 2 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
洛伦佐是天生的____，善于交友。
Lorenzo was a natural leader who made friends easily.
Lorenzo was a natural leader who made friends easily.
2
言辞激烈的右翼领袖在会后收敛了他的好战言论。
yán cí jī liè de yòu yì lǐng xiù zài huì hòu shōu liǎn le tā de hǎo zhàn yán lùn。
The fiery right-wing leader toned down his militant statements after the meeting.
3
他承认自己有被民权领袖出卖了的感觉。
tā chéng rèn zì jǐ yǒu bèi mín quán lǐng xiù chū mài le de gǎn jué。
He acknowledged the sense of betrayal by civil rights leaders.
4
这些领袖可能会自感无所不能而得意忘形。
zhè xiē lǐng xiù kě néng huì zì gǎn wú suǒ bù néng ér dé yì wàng xíng。
These leaders can become intoxicated with a sense of their own omnipotence.
5
民权领袖马丁∙路德∙金
mín quán lǐng xiù mǎ dīng∙ ∙ lù∙ dé
the civil rights leader Martin Luther King
6
当政治领袖到达的时候，聚集的人群欢呼起来，并吹起了口哨。
dāng zhèng zhì lǐng xiù dào dá de shí hòu， ， jù jí de rén qún huān hū qǐ， lái ， bìng chuī qǐ le。
The assembled multitude cheered and whistled as the political leaders arrived.
Cultural Notes for 领袖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of a '领袖' has been significant, especially during revolutionary periods where strong leaders were pivotal in shaping the nation. The reverence for leaders in Chinese culture is often reflected in literature and political discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about 领袖
'领袖' is generally used in formal or serious contexts, such as politics or organizational leadership, and is not common in casual conversations.
'领袖' typically refers to a respected or influential leader, so it may not apply to all leadership roles. For general use, '领导' is more appropriate.
'领袖' implies a higher level of respect and influence, while '领导' is a broader term for any leader.
