一头

• Pinyin: yī tóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = 一 (one); 头 = 头 (head)

Meaning

Headlong; one end. As an adverb, suddenly or directly into. As a measure word, for large animals.

Describes sudden immersion into an activity or situation, often with full commitment. Also functions as a measure word for cattle, pigs, and other large animals, and can refer to one end of something.

Examples

1. 他一头扎进了工作中。 He threw himself into his work.
2. 这个农场养了五十一头牛。 This farm raises fifty-one head of cattle.
3. 绳子的一头系在树上。 One end of the rope is tied to the tree.

Usage Guide

Context: action, counting, description

Tone: dynamic

Do Say

• 她一头撞进了这个陌生的行业。(She plunged headlong into this unfamiliar industry.)
• 村里新添了一头小牛犊。(The village has a new calf.)

Don't Say

• 一头书 — 头 is for large animals; use 本 for books

Origin & History

一 (one) + 头 (head/end)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal