Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
石头(石頭)shítou(shi2tou5)
石头 (shí tóu) refers to a stone or rock, often used to describe a solid and hard object found in nature. It is commonly encountered in contexts related to construction, landscaping, or as a natural material. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something unyielding or tough.
Strokes10Frequency#1856DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Stones (石头) have significant cultural value in China, often associated with strength, stability, and endurance. In traditional Chinese gardens, stones are carefully placed to symbolize mountains and natural beauty, reflecting the deep appreciation for nature in Chinese aesthetics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, heavy stone (石头) being thrown by a strong person named Shi. The '石' (shí) looks like a stone, and '头' (tóu) sounds like 'tossing' it. Visualize Shi tossing the stone to remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 石头
shítou(shi2tou5)
1stone
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 石头
石头Simplified
石頭Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1856Frequency Rank
块Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 石头
Podcast: 石头
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 石头
Quick Contrast
石块 (shí kuài) refers to a block of stone, typically larger and more specifically shaped than 石头, which is a more general term for stones or rocks.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the difference between 石头 (shí tóu) and its measuring word '块' (kuài), which means 'piece' or 'chunk.' While 石头 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it is important to use the correct tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 石头 connects well with other vocabulary related to nature and materials. Focus on using it in sentences about the environment or construction, which can help reinforce its meaning through context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 石头 with rocks that are not solid, mistakenly using it to refer to gravel or pebbles. Instead, remember that 石头 refers specifically to larger, solid stones.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 石头
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 石头 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
石头 (shí tóu) refers to a stone or rock, often used to describe a solid and hard object found in nature. It is commonly encountered in contexts related to construction, landscaping, or as a natural material. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something unyielding or tough.
When to use 石头
Be mindful of the difference between 石头 (shí tóu) and its measuring word '块' (kuài), which means 'piece' or 'chunk.' While 石头 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it is important to use the correct tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
石头 or something close to it
石块 (shí kuài) refers to a block of stone, typically larger and more specifically shaped than 石头, which is a more general term for stones or rocks.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 石头 with rocks that are not solid, mistakenly using it to refer to gravel or pebbles. Instead, remember that 石头 refers specifically to larger, solid stones.
Write 石头
石
头
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 石头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 石头
石头 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
