Meanings of 掉头
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Podcast: 掉头
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AI Study Notes for 掉头
掉头 (diàotóu) vs 转身 (zhuǎnshēn) — use 掉头 for turning around in a broader context, while 转身 specifically refers to the action of turning one's body.
This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when giving directions or describing movements. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar phrases like 转身 (zhuǎn shēn), which specifically means 'to turn one's body'. Be mindful of the tone, as dropping the tone can change the meaning.
While 掉头 is not an HSK level word, it provides a good opportunity to practice vocabulary related to movement and direction. Students should focus on the tones and the context in which this phrase is used alongside other directional verbs like 转 (zhuǎn) and 走 (zǒu).
Learners often mistakenly use 掉头 when they mean to say 'to turn around' in a general sense, instead of using 转身 (zhuǎn shēn). For example, saying '我掉头去超市' (I turn my head to the supermarket) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我转身去超市'.
Pronunciation of 掉头
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Component Characters
How to say to turn one's head in Chinese
“to turn one's head” in Chinese is掉头
掉头 (diào tóu) means 'to turn one's head' or 'to turn around'. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical turning or reversing direction, such as in driving or when someone needs to change their focus or attention. The phrase conveys a sense of changing direction or perspective.
When to use 掉头
This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when giving directions or describing movements. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar phrases like 转身 (zhuǎn shēn), which specifically means 'to turn one's body'. Be mindful of the tone, as dropping the tone can change the meaning.
掉头 or something close to it
掉头 (diàotóu) vs 转身 (zhuǎnshēn) — use 掉头 for turning around in a broader context, while 转身 specifically refers to the action of turning one's body.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 掉头 when they mean to say 'to turn around' in a general sense, instead of using 转身 (zhuǎn shēn). For example, saying '我掉头去超市' (I turn my head to the supermarket) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我转身去超市'.
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Frequently Asked Questions about 掉头
Yes, you can use 掉头 metaphorically to describe changing one's mind or perspective, as in realizing a different viewpoint.
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