头

• Pinyin: tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 头 = simplified from 頭; pictograph of a head, the top part of the body

Meaning

Head. Also a measure word for cattle and other large animals.

As a noun, refers to the head of the body. Extended to mean the beginning or top of something. As a measure word, used specifically for large animals like cows, pigs, and elephants (一头牛). Also appears in many common compounds like 头痛 (headache) and 点头 (nod).

Examples

1. 我头有点疼。 My head hurts a little.
2. 农民家里养了两头牛。 The farmer's family raises two cows.
3. 他摇了摇头说不知道。 He shook his head and said he didn't know.

Usage Guide

Context: body parts, counting animals, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我头疼，想休息一下。(I have a headache, I want to rest a bit.)
• 那边有一头大象。(There is an elephant over there.)

Don't Say

• 一头猫 (Don't use 头 for small animals — use 只 for cats, dogs, birds, etc.; 头 is reserved for large animals like cows and elephants)

Origin & History

Simplified from 頭. An ancient pictograph depicting the head, the top part of the human body.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal