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抬头 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
抬头táitóuto raise one's headHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #6914, Medium
抬头táitóuto gain groundHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #6914, Medium
抬头táitóuaccount name, or space for writing the name on checks, bills etcHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #6914, Medium
táitóu(tai2tou2)tai tou T2
  1. 1to raise one's head
  2. 2to gain ground
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March 24, 2026

抬头(抬頭)táitóu(tai2tou2)

The term 抬头 (tái tóu) means 'to raise one's head' physically, often used metaphorically to signify gaining confidence or improving one's status. It can also refer to the space on documents like checks or bills where the account name is written, indicating the importance of identification in financial transactions.

Strokes13Frequency#6914DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the act of raising one's head can symbolize ambition and hope for better circumstances, reflecting traditional values of perseverance and aspiration.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person named Tai who is always looking up and raising his head to see the sky, symbolizing hope and aspiration. When you think of 'tái', picture Tai lifting his head to catch a glimpse of the beautiful horizon, which helps you remember the meaning.

Meanings of 抬头

táitóu(tai2tou2)
1to raise one's head
2to gain ground
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About 抬头

抬头Simplified
抬頭Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2

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Podcast: 抬头

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AI Study Notes for 抬头

Usage Notes

Be aware that 抬头 can be used both literally and metaphorically, so context is crucial. It's typically informal when referring to raising one's head, but when used in financial documents, it takes on a more formal tone. Common collocations include '抬头看' (look up) and '抬头字' (the name on a bill).

HSK Study Tips

This word is not specifically listed in HSK levels, but it combines elements from HSK 3 and 4 vocabulary, such as verbs and noun structures. Focus on using it in both contexts: physical and abstract, to improve your fluency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 抬头 with similar phrases like '抬起头' (tái qǐ tóu), which is more about lifting the head physically. For example, saying '我抬头去' (I raise my head to go) is incorrect; it should be '我抬头看' (I look up).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 抬头

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Component Characters

抬táito lift
HSK 48 strokes扌
View full entry
头tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes大
View full entry

How to say to raise one's head in Chinese

“to raise one's head” in Chinese is抬头táitóu

The term 抬头 (tái tóu) means 'to raise one's head' physically, often used metaphorically to signify gaining confidence or improving one's status. It can also refer to the space on documents like checks or bills where the account name is written, indicating the importance of identification in financial transactions.

When to use 抬头

Be aware that 抬头 can be used both literally and metaphorically, so context is crucial. It's typically informal when referring to raising one's head, but when used in financial documents, it takes on a more formal tone. Common collocations include '抬头看' (look up) and '抬头字' (the name on a bill).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 抬头 with similar phrases like '抬起头' (tái qǐ tóu), which is more about lifting the head physically. For example, saying '我抬头去' (I raise my head to go) is incorrect; it should be '我抬头看' (I look up).

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Frequently Asked Questions about 抬头

You can say '他抬头看天' (He looks up at the sky) or '在支票上写抬头' (Write the name on the check).

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