Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
牵头(牽頭)qiāntóu(qian1tou2)
牵头 (qiān tóu) means to take the lead or to coordinate efforts, often in a collaborative context. It can refer to leading an initiative, mediating between parties, or physically leading an animal by its head. This term is commonly used in both professional and informal settings where leadership or coordination is necessary.
Frequency#40533DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking the lead in group activities or mediating disputes is often seen as a sign of responsibility and maturity. The term reflects the value placed on effective leadership and collaboration in both social and business contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of 牵 (qiān) as 'to lead' and头 (tóu) as 'head'. Imagine someone gently holding an animal by its head, guiding it forward. This imagery helps you remember that the action involves leading or guiding something in a particular direction.
Meanings of 牵头
qiāntóu(qian1tou2)
1to lead (an animal by the head)
2to take the lead
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 牵头
牵头Simplified
牽頭Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 牵头
Podcast: 牵头
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 牵头
Quick Contrast
牵引 (qiān yǐn) - use 牵头 when referring to leading a group or initiative, while 牵引 is more about physically pulling or drawing something along.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 牵 (qiān) as 'to lead' and头 (tóu) as 'head'. Imagine someone gently holding an animal by its head, guiding it forward. This imagery helps you remember that the action involves leading or guiding something in a particular direction.
Usage Notes
While 牵头 is often used in formal contexts such as project management or negotiations, it can also be used informally among friends when discussing who will take charge of a task. Be careful not to confuse it with similar terms that imply different types of leadership.
HSK Study Tips
Although this word may not appear frequently in basic HSK levels, it is useful to understand its components, especially '牵' (to lead) and '头' (head). Students should focus on using it in sentences that emphasize leadership or coordination to solidify its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking the lead in group activities or mediating disputes is often seen as a sign of responsibility and maturity. The term reflects the value placed on effective leadership and collaboration in both social and business contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牵头 with 领导 (lǐng dǎo), thinking they mean the same thing. For example, saying '我想领导这个项目' (I want to lead this project) is incorrect if the intention is to coordinate with others; '我想牵头这个项目' is the correct usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牵头
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 牵头 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 牵头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 牵头
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, taking the lead in group activities or mediating disputes is often seen as a sign of responsibility and maturity. The term reflects the value placed on effective leadership and collaboration in both social and business contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 牵头
Yes, it can refer to leading a group of friends or organizing events, as well as in professional settings.
Yes, it is often used in formal or professional contexts, but can also be adapted for informal use.
While both refer to leadership, 牵头 implies a more collaborative or coordinating role, whereas 领导 (lǐng dǎo) refers to a more authoritative leadership.
