首脑

• Pinyin: shǒu nǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 首 = head; 脑 = brain — the head/brain of an organization, i.e., the top leader

Meaning

Head of state; top leader; chief executive. Refers to the highest-ranking leader of a country or organization.

Used primarily in political and diplomatic contexts. Common collocations include 国家首脑 (head of state), 政府首脑 (head of government), 首脑会谈 (summit talks), 首脑会议 (summit meeting). Distinguished from 领导 (leader) which is more general, and 元首 which specifically means head of state in a ceremonial sense.

Examples

1. 各国首脑齐聚一堂讨论全球气候变化问题。 Leaders from various countries gathered to discuss global climate change.
2. 两国首脑在会谈中达成了多项重要共识。 The two heads of state reached multiple important agreements during the talks.
3. 这次首脑峰会将决定地区安全合作的未来走向。 This summit will determine the future direction of regional security cooperation.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, diplomacy, news

Tone: official

Do Say

• 首脑会议将于下周在日内瓦举行。(The summit will be held in Geneva next week.)
• 国家首脑亲自出席了开幕式。(The head of state personally attended the opening ceremony.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'首脑'称呼公司老板 (Don't use 首脑 for a company boss — use 老板 or 总裁 instead; 首脑 is for state leaders)

Origin & History

Compound of 首 (head, first) + 脑 (brain). Metaphorically refers to the 'head and brain' of an organization or country — its leader.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated