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头头是道 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
头头是道tóutóushìdàoclear and logicalHSK 7, unknown, 31 strokes, rank #36142, Very Hard
tóutóushìdào(tou2tou2shi4dao4)tou tou shi dao T2
  1. 1clear and logical
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March 24, 2026

头头是道(頭頭是道)tóutóushìdào(tou2tou2shi4dao4)

The idiom '头头是道' describes something that is clear, logical, and well-organized. It is commonly used to express that someone has presented their ideas or arguments in a coherent manner, making it easy for others to understand and follow. This phrase can be applied in both formal discussions and casual conversations.

Strokes31Frequency#36142DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value placed on logical thinking and clear communication, especially in educational and business contexts. It emphasizes the importance of being articulate and reasoned in discussions.

Memory tip

Imagine a wise old teacher (头) leading a class with clear steps (头) that form a logical path (是道). Visualize a well-organized lecture where every point connects seamlessly, making it easy for students to grasp the material.

Meanings of 头头是道

tóutóushìdào(tou2tou2shi4dao4)
1clear and logical
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About 头头是道

头头是道Simplified
頭頭是道Traditional
31Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 头头是道

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the context in which you use this idiom; it is more appropriate in formal discussions rather than casual chats. Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tones, especially 'dao' which should be pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) to convey the correct meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While '头头是道' is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding idioms like this can enhance your language skills at higher levels. Focus on the components of idioms and how they convey deeper meanings in conversation, connecting this phrase with other idioms that express clarity or logic.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, pronouncing it as 'tou1 tou1 shi4 dao3', which changes the meaning. Ensure to use the correct tones: 'tou2 tou2 shi4 dao4' for clarity and coherence.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 头头是道

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Idiom spotlight: 头头是道

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:head head is path

Component characters

头tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes大
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头tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes大
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是shìis
HSK 19 strokes日
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道dàodirection
HSK 412 strokes辶
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How to say clear and logical in Chinese

“clear and logical” in Chinese is头头是道tóutóushìdào

The idiom '头头是道' describes something that is clear, logical, and well-organized. It is commonly used to express that someone has presented their ideas or arguments in a coherent manner, making it easy for others to understand and follow. This phrase can be applied in both formal discussions and casual conversations.

When to use 头头是道

Be cautious with the context in which you use this idiom; it is more appropriate in formal discussions rather than casual chats. Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tones, especially 'dao' which should be pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) to convey the correct meaning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the tones, pronouncing it as 'tou1 tou1 shi4 dao3', which changes the meaning. Ensure to use the correct tones: 'tou2 tou2 shi4 dao4' for clarity and coherence.

Write 头头是道

头
头
是
道

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Frequently asked questions about 头头是道

Yes, but it's best suited for more formal discussions or when giving presentations.

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