兆头

• Pinyin: zhào tou
• Hanzi breakdown: 兆 = 兆 (omen, trillion); 头 = 头 (head/suffix)

Meaning

Omen; sign; portent. An indication or sign of something about to happen.

Can be positive (好兆头) or negative (坏兆头). Often used in predictions, superstitions, or to describe early indicators of trends. Common in both casual conversation and formal analysis.

Examples

1. 股市连续三天上涨，被认为是经济复苏的好兆头。 The stock market has risen for three straight days, which is seen as a good sign of an economic recovery.
2. 这些迹象都是不祥的兆头，我们必须提高警惕。 All these signs are ominous—we must stay on high alert.
3. 春节期间打碎碗碟在民间被视为破财的兆头。 During the Spring Festival, breaking bowls or plates is traditionally seen as a sign of financial loss.

Usage Guide

Context: predictions, superstition, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 新产品预售火爆是市场前景看好的兆头。(The hot pre-sales of the new product are a good sign of market prospects.)
• 天空出现乌云密布是暴风雨来临的兆头。(Dark clouds covering the sky are a sign that a storm is approaching.)

Don't Say

• 兆头征 — redundant; 兆头 alone is sufficient to mean omen or sign

Origin & History

兆 (omen/sign) + 头 (nominal suffix)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal