上头

• Pinyin: shàng tou
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = 一 + 卜 (above); 头 = 大 + 一 (head)

Meaning

The top; superiors; headquarters. Informally refers to higher authorities or those above in a hierarchy.

In informal speech, 上头 often means one's superiors or the leadership. It can also literally mean 'on top' (spatial). In slang, it can describe being intoxicated or overly excited.

Examples

1. 上头已经批准了这个项目的预算。 Higher-ups have already approved the budget for this project.
2. 这件事要等上头的指示才能推进。 We can’t move this forward until we get instructions from above.
3. 他喝了两杯就有点上头了。 After two drinks, he was already starting to feel it.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, colloquial

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个决定得上头拍板，我做不了主。(This decision needs to be approved by the higher-ups; it's not my call.)
• 喝了点酒，有些上头，早点回去休息吧。(Had a bit to drink, feeling a little light-headed — let's head home early.)

Don't Say

• 在正式文件中用上头 — use 上级 or 领导 in formal written contexts

Origin & History

上 (above) + 头 (head/top) — the top or those at the top

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal