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头头是道 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
头头是道tóutóushìdàoclear and logicalHSK 7, unknown, rank #36142, Very Hard
tóutóushìdào(tou2tou2shi4dao4) T2
  1. 1clear and logical
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March 24, 2026
头头是道(頭頭是道)tóutóushìdào(tou2tou2shi4dao4)

The idiom '头头是道' describes something that is clear, logical, and well-organized. It is commonly used to express that someone has presented their ideas or arguments in a coherent manner, making it easy for others to understand and follow. This phrase can be applied in both formal discussions and casual conversations.

Frequency#36142DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value placed on logical thinking and clear communication, especially in educational and business contexts. It emphasizes the importance of being articulate and reasoned in discussions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise old teacher (头) leading a class with clear steps (头) that form a logical path (是道). Visualize a well-organized lecture where every point connects seamlessly, making it easy for students to grasp the material.

Meanings of 头头是道

tóutóushìdào(tou2tou2shi4dao4)
1clear and logical
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About 头头是道

头头是道Simplified
頭頭是道Traditional
Strokes
Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 头头是道

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Podcast: 头头是道

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AI Study Notes for 头头是道

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise old teacher (头) leading a class with clear steps (头) that form a logical path (是道). Visualize a well-organized lecture where every point connects seamlessly, making it easy for students to grasp the material.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the context in which you use this idiom; it is more appropriate in formal discussions rather than casual chats. Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tones, especially 'dao' which should be pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) to convey the correct meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While '头头是道' is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding idioms like this can enhance your language skills at higher levels. Focus on the components of idioms and how they convey deeper meanings in conversation, connecting this phrase with other idioms that express clarity or logic.

Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value placed on logical thinking and clear communication, especially in educational and business contexts. It emphasizes the importance of being articulate and reasoned in discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, pronouncing it as 'tou1 tou1 shi4 dao3', which changes the meaning. Ensure to use the correct tones: 'tou2 tou2 shi4 dao4' for clarity and coherence.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 头头是道

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Idiom Spotlight: 头头是道

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:head head is path

Component Characters

tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes
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tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes
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shìis
HSK 19 strokes
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dàodirection
HSK 412 strokes
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Write 头头是道

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Cultural Notes for 头头是道

🏮Cultural insight

This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value placed on logical thinking and clear communication, especially in educational and business contexts. It emphasizes the importance of being articulate and reasoned in discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions about 头头是道

Yes, but it's best suited for more formal discussions or when giving presentations.