HSK · Level 85
45 words
Chinese word
出头
Pronunciation
Pinyinchū tóu
Meaning
- verbstand up for
Example
别人被骂时，他总是为他们出头。bié rén bèi mà shí tā zǒng shì wèi tā men chū tóu
When others are criticized, he always stands up for them.
More examples
同学被欺负时，他常常替他们出头。tóng xué bèi qī fù shí tā cháng cháng tì tā men chū tóu
When his classmates are bullied, he often stands up for them.
Core concept
A person moves to the front of a dispute and takes the pressure meant for someone else.
Common phrases
为别人出头wèi bié rén chū tóu
stand up for others
替朋友出头tì péng yǒu chū tóu
stand up for friends
Similar words
出面chū miàn: Step forward to handle a problem or dispute in person.
维护wéi hù: Uphold a person's rights or interests through steady words and actions.
保护bǎo hù: Keep a person or thing safe from danger, damage, or harm.
支持zhī chí: Show support by taking someone's side and helping them.
Definition in Chinese
为别人出面承担责难或解决争端，保护对方不受指责或伤害。wèi bié rén chū miàn chéng dān zé nàn huò jiě jué zhēng duān bǎo hù duì fāng bú shòu zhǐ zé huò shāng hài
Word origin
出 (chū, "go out") + 头 (tóu, "head") suggests putting one's head forward, a concrete image that developed into coming forward on another person's behalf.
Usage tips
- The action can be entirely verbal, such as answering an unfair accusation, so physical movement is not required.