首脳

• Reading: しゅのう
• Romaji: shounou
• Kanji breakdown: 首 (shu/kubi) — head, neck; 脳 (nou) — brain
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.noː/

Meaning

Head; leader; top figure. Used for the highest-ranking leaders of states or organisations.

A noun referring to the topmost leaders, especially heads of state or government. Very common in the compound 首脳会談 (summit meeting). Unlike リーダー which is general, 首脳 specifically implies the highest echelon of authority. Predominantly used in formal, political, and diplomatic contexts.

Examples

1. 各国の首脳が集まって国際会議が開かれた。 Leaders from various countries gathered and an international conference was held.
2. 首脳会談で貿易問題について話し合われた。 Trade issues were discussed at the summit meeting.
3. 与党の首脳が記者会見を行った。 Leaders of the ruling party held a press conference.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, diplomacy, international relations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 首 (shu, head) + 脳 (nou, brain). Literally 'head and brain,' metaphorically referring to the thinking centre of an organisation or nation — its top leadership.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional