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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'tongue' with 舌头 (shétou)

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    舌头 + Verb

    Explanation

    The noun 舌头 (shétou) means 'tongue' and refers to the physical organ in the mouth. It appears in many common expressions and idioms, and is essential vocabulary for discussing food, speech, and health. The second character 头 is a noun suffix pronounced in the neutral tone.

    Examples

    • 吃完火锅以后，我的舌头都麻了。

      chī wán huǒguō yǐhòu, wǒ de shétou dōu má le.

      After eating hotpot, my tongue went numb.

    • 他伸出舌头做了个鬼脸，把小朋友逗笑了。

      tā shēn chū shétou zuò le gè guǐliǎn, bǎ xiǎopéngyǒu dòu xiào le.

      He stuck out his tongue and made a funny face, making the kids laugh.

    • 这道菜太辣了，我的舌头受不了。

      zhè dào cài tài là le, wǒ de shétou shòu bù liǎo.

      This dish is too spicy; my tongue can't take it.