从头

• Pinyin: cóng tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 从 = from; 头 = head, beginning

Meaning

From the beginning; from scratch; from the start. An adverb indicating starting over from the very beginning.

Used when something needs to be redone, restarted, or explained from the beginning. Common in contexts of telling stories, learning, or starting projects over. Can imply both a fresh start or having to redo work.

Examples

1. 代码出了问题，只好删掉从头再写。 There was a problem with the code, so I had to delete it and write it again from scratch.
2. 这件事太复杂，你从头给我讲一遍吧。 This matter is too complicated — explain it to me from the beginning.
3. 既然之前的方案被否决了，我们就从头设计一个新的。 Since the previous plan was rejected, let's design a new one from scratch.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, storytelling

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 让我从头说起。(Let me start from the beginning.)
• 这部电影要从头看才能看懂。(You need to watch this movie from the beginning to understand it.)

Don't Say

• 从头结束 (Contradictory — 从头 means beginning, 结束 means end)

Origin & History

Compound of 从 (from) + 头 (head, beginning). Literally 'from the head/start,' indicating the very beginning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal