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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'head' with 头 (tóu)

    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    The noun 头 (tóu) means "head" and refers to the top part of the body. It is commonly used both literally and in many compound words and expressions. For example, it appears in phrases like 摇头 (to shake one's head) and 点头 (to nod).

    Examples

    • 我头疼得厉害，今天不想出门。

      Wǒ tóuténg de lìhài, jīntiān bù xiǎng chūmén.

      I have a terrible headache and don't feel like going out today.

    • 他低下头，一句话也不说。

      Tā dīxià tóu, yī jù huà yě bù shuō.

      He lowered his head and didn't say a word.

    • 小猫歪着头看着我，特别可爱。

      Xiǎo māo wāizhe tóu kànzhe wǒ, tèbié kě'ài.

      The kitten tilted its head and looked at me—so adorable.

    Expressing 'head' with 头 (tóu) | Chinese Grammar