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March 24, 2026
出风头(出風頭)chūfēngtou(chu1feng1tou5)
出风头 means to seek attention or to put oneself in the spotlight, often in a way that draws admiration or criticism. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is trying to showcase their abilities or achievements, sometimes to the point of being showy or ostentatious.
Frequency#15379DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued, and standing out too much can be frowned upon. 出风头 may imply a lack of modesty, which is important in social situations, particularly in professional settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to stand out in a crowd, waving their arms like a flag (出, 'chu') while a gust of wind (风, 'feng') lifts their hair dramatically. They are literally 'pushing their head out into the wind' (头, 'tou') to attract everyone's gaze.
Meanings of 出风头
chūfēngtou(chu1feng1tou5)
1to push oneself forward
2to seek fame
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About 出风头
出风头Simplified
出風頭Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 出风头
Podcast: 出风头
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AI Study Notes for 出风头
Quick Contrast
出风头 (seek attention) vs 炫耀 (show off) - use 出风头 when the focus is on seeking attention in a broader sense, while 炫耀 emphasizes boasting about one's achievements.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to stand out in a crowd, waving their arms like a flag (出, 'chu') while a gust of wind (风, 'feng') lifts their hair dramatically. They are literally 'pushing their head out into the wind' (头, 'tou') to attract everyone's gaze.
Usage Notes
Be cautious about using 出风头 in formal contexts, as it can carry a slightly negative connotation of being overly showy. Common collocations include seeking fame or showing off talents. Watch out for the tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
This phrase is suitable for intermediate learners (around HSK 4). It connects well with vocabulary related to social interactions and personal expression. Focus on understanding the context in which seeking attention can be seen positively or negatively.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued, and standing out too much can be frowned upon. 出风头 may imply a lack of modesty, which is important in social situations, particularly in professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 出风头 with phrases that have a more positive connotation, such as 展示 (to showcase). For example, saying '他在会议上出风头' (He is showing off at the meeting) may imply he is being overly showy rather than simply presenting well.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 出风头
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Cultural Notes for 出风头
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued, and standing out too much can be frowned upon. 出风头 may imply a lack of modesty, which is important in social situations, particularly in professional settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 出风头
Not necessarily, but it often implies a degree of showiness that might be viewed unfavorably.
Yes, but be mindful of the context; it may suggest they are seeking attention rather than simply sharing their success.
Similar phrases include 出风头的 (showy) and 出风头的人 (attention seeker).
