带头

• Pinyin: dài tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 带 = belt, to lead; 头 = head, beginning

Meaning

To take the lead; to be the first; to set an example. A verb phrase meaning to be at the forefront or initiate an action for others to follow.

Often used in contexts of leadership, setting examples, or pioneering efforts. Can be positive (leading by example) or negative (instigating). Common in political and organizational discourse.

Examples

1. 领导带头加班，员工也不好意思按时下班。 When the boss takes the lead working overtime, employees feel awkward leaving on time.
2. 他带头捐款，其他人也纷纷慷慨解囊。 He took the lead in donating, and others followed suit generously.
3. 村里的年轻人带头搞起了电商，带动了整个村子的经济。 Young people in the village took the lead in starting e-commerce, boosting the entire village's economy.

Usage Guide

Context: leadership, initiative, workplace

Tone: action-oriented

Do Say

• 谁带头的？(Who started it?)
• 要敢于带头。(One must dare to take the lead.)

Don't Say

• 我带头睡觉 (带头 implies others follow — use 先去 for individual actions)

Origin & History

Compound of 带 (to lead) + 头 (head, beginning). Together meaning to be at the head or forefront.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal