Meanings of 头
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About 头
Podcast: 头
Podcast: 头
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AI Study Notes for 头
首 (shǒu) - use 头 (tóu) when referring specifically to the physical head or the top part of something; 首 (shǒu) is more commonly used to denote leadership or the first in a sequence.
When using 头, ensure that you are aware of its context, as it can refer to physical heads, leadership roles, or beginnings. It is often seen in compound words like 领导 (lǐngdǎo - leadership). Be careful with its tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 头 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is foundational as it connects to many vocabulary words related to leadership and orientation. Focus on its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions to enhance your fluency.
Learners often confuse 头 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying 'tāo' instead of 'tóu' can lead to misunderstandings since '头' has distinct meanings compared to other characters. Always practice the tone to avoid confusion.
Pronunciation of 头
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Etymology of 头
Phonosemantic compound. 頁 represents the meaning and 豆 represents the sound. The simplified character 头 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 頭.
high
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 头
Phonosemantic compound. 頁 represents the meaning and 豆 represents the sound. The simplified character 头 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 頭.
- 1The meaning half大 carries the sense.
- 2The giveawayhigh
- 3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 头? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 头?
Decomposition of 头
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 头?
How to say head in Chinese
“head” in Chinese is头
The character 头 (tóu) primarily means 'head' and is used in various contexts to refer to the top part of the body. It can also mean the top or beginning of something, such as a project or a list, and is frequently used in compound words to denote leadership or the chief aspect of something.
When to use 头
When using 头, ensure that you are aware of its context, as it can refer to physical heads, leadership roles, or beginnings. It is often seen in compound words like 领导 (lǐngdǎo - leadership). Be careful with its tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
头 or something close to it
首 (shǒu) - use 头 (tóu) when referring specifically to the physical head or the top part of something; 首 (shǒu) is more commonly used to denote leadership or the first in a sequence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 头 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying 'tāo' instead of 'tóu' can lead to misunderstandings since '头' has distinct meanings compared to other characters. Always practice the tone to avoid confusion.
Write 头
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Practice writing 头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 头
头 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 17 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.
Complete the Sentence
我____有点儿疼，恐怕是感冒了。
My head hurts a little; I'm afraid I've caught a cold.
Common Confusions with 头
Same pinyin but different meaning
Spot the Difference
Which character means "head"?
Example Sentences for 头 (15)
Cultural Notes for 头
In Chinese culture, a person's head is considered sacred. In traditional practices, it's disrespectful to touch someone's head without permission, as it is seen as a personal space.
头头是道 (tóu tóu shì dào) means that everything is clear and logical, often used to describe a well-organized presentation or argument.
Word Family of 头
Compound Meaning
What does 实 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 头
头 (tóu) typically refers to the head or top of something, while 首 (shǒu) is often used to indicate the first in a sequence or a leader. For example, '首都' (shǒudū) means 'capital city', whereas '头' can be used more broadly in physical contexts.
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