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石头 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
石头
shítou
stone
HSK 5, n, 10 strokes, rank #1856, Hard
shítou(shi2tou5)shi tou T2
1stone
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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
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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
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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
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Knowing 石头 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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
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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.
