回头

• Pinyin: huí tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 = to turn/return; 头 = head

Meaning

Later; in a while; to turn one's head. Used to indicate doing something at a later time.

As an adverb, means 'later' or 'in a while,' often used casually to postpone something. Literally means to turn one's head back. Can also mean to change one's ways or turn back from a wrong path.

Examples

1. 我现在有点忙，回头再给你打电话。 I'm a bit busy right now; I'll call you back later.
2. 这件事回头再说吧，我们先解决眼前的问题。 Let's talk about this later; let's solve the immediate problem first.
3. 她回头看了一眼，发现有人在跟踪她。 She turned her head to look and found someone was following her.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation, postponement

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 回头见！(See you later!)
• 回头我请你吃饭。(I'll treat you to a meal later.)

Don't Say

• 回头我立刻做 (回头 implies doing it later, not immediately — just say 我立刻做 or 我马上做)

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (to turn) + 头 (head), literally meaning to turn one's head, extended to mean 'later.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal