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脑袋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
脑袋
nǎodai
head
HSK 6, n, 21 strokes, rank #1320, Hard
脑袋
nǎodai
skull
HSK 6, n, 21 strokes, rank #1320, Hard
脑袋
nǎodai
brains
HSK 6, n, 21 strokes, rank #1320, Hard
脑袋
nǎodai
mental capability
HSK 6, n, 21 strokes, rank #1320, Hard
nǎodai(nao3dai5)nao dai T3
1head
2skull
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March 24, 2026
脑袋(腦袋)nǎodai(nao3dai5)
脑袋 (nǎodai) refers to the head or skull, but it can also imply mental capability or intelligence. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss someone's cognitive abilities or physical head.
Strokes21Frequency#1320DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the head is often associated with respect and authority, which is reflected in phrases like '顶天立地' (standing tall) that emphasize mental strength and presence.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'brain' (脑) sitting on top of a 'dai' (袋) or bag. Picture someone carrying a bag full of brains, emphasizing the connection between the head and intelligence as they walk around with their '头' (head) held high.
Meanings of 脑袋
nǎodai(nao3dai5)
1head
2skull
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 脑袋
脑袋Simplified
腦袋Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1320Frequency Rank
颗Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 脑袋
Podcast: 脑袋
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AI study notes for 脑袋
Quick Contrast
脑 (nǎo) — use 脑袋 when referring to the physical head or informal discussions about intelligence, while 脑 emphasizes the brain as an organ or in more technical contexts.
Usage Notes
In informal conversations, 脑袋 can be used to denote someone's intelligence or common sense, which may not be appropriate in formal settings. Be careful with the tone; using it in a derogatory way might offend someone, so context is key.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 vocabulary word, 脑袋 is often used in discussions about mental processes, making it useful when learning about emotions or decision-making. Focus on collocations like '脑袋疼' (headache) or '脑袋空' (mind blank) to deepen understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 脑袋 with 头 (tóu), which also means head but is more general. For example, saying '我有一个脑袋痛' (I have a head pain) should be corrected to '我头痛' (I have a headache).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脑袋
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脑袋 (nǎodai) refers to the head or skull, but it can also imply mental capability or intelligence. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss someone's cognitive abilities or physical head.
When to use 脑袋
In informal conversations, 脑袋 can be used to denote someone's intelligence or common sense, which may not be appropriate in formal settings. Be careful with the tone; using it in a derogatory way might offend someone, so context is key.
脑袋 or something close to it
脑 (nǎo) — use 脑袋 when referring to the physical head or informal discussions about intelligence, while 脑 emphasizes the brain as an organ or in more technical contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 脑袋 with 头 (tóu), which also means head but is more general. For example, saying '我有一个脑袋痛' (I have a head pain) should be corrected to '我头痛' (I have a headache).
Write 脑袋
脑
袋
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Grammar patterns of 脑袋
脑袋 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
球砸中他的____，从而让他化解了一次射门。
He saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head.
Example sentences for 脑袋 (10)
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1
球砸中他的脑袋，从而让他化解了一次射门。
qiú zá zhōng tā de nǎodai， cóng’ér ràng tā huàjiě le yī cì shè mén。
He saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head.
2
她用力把烟灰缸从房间那头扔过来，差点砸到我的脑袋。
tā yònglì bǎ yān huī gāng cóng fángjiān nà tóu rēng guòlái， chà diǎn zá dào wǒ de nǎodai。
She hurled the ashtray across the room, narrowly missing my head.
3
她使出全身力气抡起榔头砸向他的脑袋。
tā shǐ chū quánshēn lìqi lūn qǐ láng tóu zá xiàng tā de nǎodai。
She swung the hammer at his head with all her might.
4
他一放手，脑袋便垂向一侧。
tā yī fàng shǒu， nǎodai biàn chuí xiàng yī cè。
When he let go the head lolled sideways.
5
她脑袋耷拉着,疼得直不起腰.
tā nǎodai dā lā zhe, téng de zhí bù qǐ yāo.
Her back was bent with pain and her head was low.
6
他轻轻地抱着婴儿，双手托着她的小脑袋。
tā qīng qīng dì bào zhe yīng’ér， shuāngshǒu tuō zhe tā de xiǎo nǎodai。
He cradled the baby in his arms, his hands cupping her tiny skull.
7
我敢用自己的脑袋来打赌, 这一定是你的那个维达·舍温说的.
wǒ gǎn yòng zìjǐ de nǎodai lái dǎdǔ, zhè yídìng shì nǐ de nàge wéi dá· shě Wēn shuō de.
I'll bet a hat. It was your Vida Sherwin who said that.
8
如果他敢动手, 我就打碎他的脑袋.
rúguǒ tā gǎn dòngshǒu, wǒ jiù dǎ suì tā de nǎodai.
If he lays a hand on me, I'll brain him.
9
他们举着棍子监视着他，好像要揍扁他的脑袋。
tāmen jǔ zhe gùnzi jiānshì zhe tā， hǎoxiàng yào zòu biǎn tā de nǎodai。
They stood over him with clubs raised as if to beat his brains out.
10
此刻劳森激动得脸都白了, 他又开始为那个脑袋来煊染一番了.
cǐkè láo sēn jīdòng de liǎn dōu bái le, tā yòu kāishǐ wèi nàge nǎodai lái xuān rǎn yīfān le.
Lawson, white with passion now, began to defend the head.
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Frequently asked questions about 脑袋
脑袋 is generally considered informal and is often used in casual conversations.
Yes, 脑袋 can refer to someone's mental capabilities, but be cautious of the context to avoid sounding disrespectful.
脑 refers specifically to the brain, while 脑袋 refers to the head as a whole, including the skull.
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