矛头

• Pinyin: máo tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 矛 = pictograph of a spear; 头 = 大 (big) + 兀 (elevated) — top or tip

Meaning

Spearhead; the tip of a spear. Figuratively, the target of criticism, attack, or opposition; the edge of an argument.

In modern usage, 矛头 almost always appears figuratively in the patterns 矛头指向 (directed at), 矛头对准 (aimed at), or 把矛头转向 (shift the target to). It describes the target or direction of criticism, blame, or attack in political, media, or argumentative contexts.

Examples

1. 这篇评论文章的矛头直指当前教育体制中存在的深层次结构性问题。 The spearhead of this commentary points straight at the deep structural problems in today’s education system.
2. 舆论的矛头很快转向了那家长期排放污染物却未受处罚的化工企业。 Public criticism quickly shifted toward that chemical company that had been discharging pollutants for years without punishment.
3. 他试图转移矛头，把公众的注意力从自身的失职行为引向外部因素。 He tried to shift the target, redirecting public attention away from his own negligence and toward external factors.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, journalism, critique

Tone: confrontational

Do Say

• 调查结果出来后，矛头直接指向了公司的几位高管。(After the investigation results came out, the spearhead pointed directly at several senior executives.)
• 环保组织将矛头对准了这家长期违规排污的工厂。(The environmental group aimed its criticism at the factory that had long been discharging pollutants illegally.)

Don't Say

• 用'矛头'描述真实武器的尖端 — 描述武器部件时用'矛尖'或'枪头'更准确 (Don't use 矛头 to describe the physical tip of a real weapon — use 矛尖 or 枪头 for that)

Origin & History

矛 (spear, lance) + 头 (head, tip). Literally the tip of a spear, extended to mean the direction or target of attack or criticism.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal