头衔

• Pinyin: tóu xián
• Hanzi breakdown: 头 = head, chief; 衔 = 行 + 金 — to hold in mouth, rank, title

Meaning

Title; official designation; honorific; credential.

A formal title or designation indicating position, qualification, or honor. Can refer to job titles, academic degrees, or honorary positions. Sometimes used dismissively to suggest empty titles without substance.

Examples

1. 他名片上印了一堆头衔，看得人眼花缭乱。 His business card has a pile of titles printed on it — it makes your head spin.
2. 别看他头衔响亮，其实没什么真本事。 Don't be fooled by his impressive titles — he doesn't actually have much real ability.
3. 这个荣誉头衔是对她多年贡献的认可。 This honorary title is recognition of her years of contributions.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, academic, honors

Tone: neutral or skeptical

Do Say

• 职业头衔。(Professional title.)
• 获得头衔。(To obtain a title.)

Don't Say

• 把昵称叫'头衔' (头衔 is formal and official — nicknames are 绰号 or 外号)

Origin & History

头 means head/first, 衔 means to hold in mouth/rank — official rank or title.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal