首

• Pinyin: shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 首 = pictograph of a head with hair, extended to mean first or chief; used as a counter for poems and songs

Meaning

A measure word used for poems and songs.

Used as a measure word specifically for poems and songs. Also means 'first' or 'head' in other contexts, but as a measure word it is limited to literary and musical works. One of the most commonly tested measure words at the HSK 4 level.

Examples

1. 他给她唱了一首很好听的歌。 He sang a beautiful song for her.
2. 老师让我们背一首唐诗。 The teacher asked us to memorise a Tang dynasty poem.
3. 这首歌是谁写的？歌词写得很美。 Who wrote this song? The lyrics are beautifully written.

Usage Guide

Context: music, literature, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我最近学会了一首新歌。(I recently learned a new song.)
• 请给大家朗诵一首诗吧。(Please recite a poem for everyone.)

Don't Say

• 他写了一首文章。(Don't use 首 for articles or essays — use 篇. 首 is only for poems and songs.)

Origin & History

Originally a pictograph of a head (with hair on top), extended to mean 'first' and then used as a measure word for complete poetic and musical works.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal