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首脑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
首脑shǒunǎohead (of state)HSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #12439, Very Hard
首脑shǒunǎosummit (meeting)HSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #12439, Very Hard
首脑shǒunǎoleaderHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #12439, Very Hard
shǒunǎo(shou3nao3)shou nao T3
  1. 1head (of state)
  2. 2summit (meeting)
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March 24, 2026

首脑(首腦)shǒunǎo(shou3nao3)

首脑 (shǒunǎo) refers to the head of a state or organization, often used to describe leaders in political contexts. It can also denote a summit meeting where key leaders gather to discuss important issues. This term conveys a sense of authority and centrality in governance or decision-making.

Strokes19Frequency#12439DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The term 首脑 is often used in the context of international relations, especially when referring to high-level meetings like G20 summits, highlighting China's active role in global political discussions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise owl (首) perched atop a tall tree (脑) representing the leader or head of a state. The owl's keen vision symbolizes leadership and foresight, making it easy to remember that 首脑 relates to a leader or decision-maker.

Meanings of 首脑

shǒunǎo(shou3nao3)
1head (of state)
2summit (meeting)
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About 首脑

首脑Simplified
首腦Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1

Podcast: 首脑

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Podcast: 首脑

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AI Study Notes for 首脑

Quick Contrast

国家领导人 (guójiā lǐngdǎo rén) - use 首脑 when emphasizing the head of a state or organization, rather than just any national leader.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 首脑 with similar terms like 领导 (lǐngdǎo), which means 'leader' but is more informal. This term is typically used in formal contexts such as political discussions. Be careful with the tones; using incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 首脑 is not an HSK word, it's useful for HSK level 4 learners who are beginning to engage with more complex vocabulary related to politics and governance. Students should focus on the context in which it is used and its collocations, like 首脑会议 (shǒunǎo huìyì) for 'summit meeting.'

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 首脑 when referring to everyday leaders, as it sounds formal and grandiose. For example, saying '我的老板是首脑' (My boss is the head) should be corrected to '我的老板是领导' (My boss is a leader).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 首脑

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Component Characters

首shǒuhead
HSK 49 strokes首
View full entry
脑nǎobrain
HSK 310 strokes⺼
View full entry

How to say head (of state) in Chinese

“head (of state)” in Chinese is首脑shǒunǎo

首脑 (shǒunǎo) refers to the head of a state or organization, often used to describe leaders in political contexts. It can also denote a summit meeting where key leaders gather to discuss important issues. This term conveys a sense of authority and centrality in governance or decision-making.

When to use 首脑

Common mistakes include confusing 首脑 with similar terms like 领导 (lǐngdǎo), which means 'leader' but is more informal. This term is typically used in formal contexts such as political discussions. Be careful with the tones; using incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.

首脑 or something close to it

国家领导人 (guójiā lǐngdǎo rén) - use 首脑 when emphasizing the head of a state or organization, rather than just any national leader.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 首脑 when referring to everyday leaders, as it sounds formal and grandiose. For example, saying '我的老板是首脑' (My boss is the head) should be corrected to '我的老板是领导' (My boss is a leader).

Write 首脑

首
脑

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Frequently Asked Questions about 首脑

首脑 refers to heads of state or high-ranking officials, while 领导 is a broader term for 'leader' that can apply to various levels of authority.

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