Chinese word

头头是道

Pronunciation

Pinyintóu tóu shì dào

Meaning

  • idiombe logical

Example

他把问题分析得头头是道。tā bǎ wèn tí fēn xī de tóu tóu shì dào

He analyzed the problem logically.

Illustration for 头头是道 (be logical)

More examples

记者把事件经过说得头头是道，读者很信服。jì zhě bǎ shì jiàn jīng guò shuō de tóu tóu shì dào dú zhě hěn xìn fú

The reporter explained the course of events logically, and the readers were convinced.

Core concept

A speaker lays out connected points so the listener can see how the conclusion follows.

Common phrases

  • 说得头头是道shuō de tóu tóu shì dào

    speak logically

  • 讲得头头是道jiǎng de tóu tóu shì dào

    explain logically

Similar words

条理分明tiáo lǐ fēn míng: Has a clear reasoning structure, with ideas and explanations arranged so their logic is easy to see.
井井有条jíng jíng yǒu tiáo: Keeps things neatly organized, with each part in its proper place and order.
有条不紊yǒu tiáo bù wěn: Proceeds in a steady, orderly sequence without confusion or disruption.
有理有据yóu lí yǒu jù: Supports statements with reasons and evidence, making them convincing.

Definition in Chinese

形容陈述或解释具有清晰条理，前后有逻辑、容易被理解。xíng róng chén shù huò jiě shì jù yǒu qīng xī tiáo lǐ qián hòu yǒu luó jí róng yì bèi lí jiě

Word origin

头 (tóu, "point") + 头 + 是 (shì, "be") + 道 (dào, "reason") pictures every point following a clear line of reasoning.

Usage tips

  • The idiom comments on the presentation of an account rather than certifying every claim, so it does not by itself mean that the account is true.

Other meanings

  • be well-organizedidiom
  • be articulateidiom

Opposites

  • 语无伦次yǔ wú lún cìbe incoherentidiom
  • 前后矛盾qián hòu máo dùnbe self-contradictoryidiom

Word lists with this word