街头

• Pinyin: jiē tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 街 = 行 (walk) + 圭, street; 头 = head/end

Meaning

Street; streetside; on the street.

Refers to streets and public urban spaces. Often implies street culture, street vendors, or activities happening in public spaces. Common in phrases like 街头艺人 (street performer) and 街头小吃 (street food).

Examples

1. 周末的街头到处都是逛街购物的人群。 On weekends, the streets are full of people shopping.
2. 这位街头艺人的吉他演奏吸引了很多路人驻足欣赏。 This street performer's guitar playing attracted many passersby to stop and listen.
3. 街头巷尾都在讨论这个新闻，影响力可见一斑。 Every corner of the city is discussing this news — its influence is evident.

Usage Guide

Context: urban life, culture, food

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 街头小吃很美味。(Street food is delicious.)
• 我在街头碰到了老朋友。(I ran into an old friend on the street.)

Don't Say

• 用街头形容高档商业区 (街头 has a casual/grassroots connotation — use 商业区 for upscale areas)

Origin & History

Compound of 街 (street) + 头 (head/end). Together meaning 'at the street' or 'on the street.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal