Chinese word

带头

Pronunciation

Pinyindài tóu

Meaning

  • verbtake the lead

Example

如果要开始，就请你带头。rú guǒ yào kāi shǐ jiù qǐng nǐ dài tóu

If you want to start, please take the lead.

Illustration for 带头 (take the lead)

More examples

在志愿活动中，他带头组织群众清理河道。zài zhì yuàn huó dòng zhōng tā dài tóu zǔ zhī qún zhòng qīng lǐ hé dào

During the volunteer activity, he took the lead in organizing people to clean up the river.

Core concept

One person starts moving first so others have a clear model to follow.

Common phrases

  • 带头组织dài tóu zǔ zhī

    lead in organizing

  • 带头示范dài tóu shì fàn

    lead by example

  • 带头发起dài tóu fā qǐ

    take the lead in launching

Similar words

率先shuài xiān: Act before other people to start something or take action.
带领dài lǐng: Lead a group toward a destination or shared goal.
引导yín dǎo: Guide someone toward a desired direction through words or methods.
领导líng dǎo: Direct an organization or group by setting policies and giving instructions.

Definition in Chinese

先在群体中采取行动或发起活动，通过自己的行为示范带动他人参与或响应。xiān zài qún tǐ zhōng cái qǔ xíng dòng huò fā qǐ huó dòng tōng guò zì jǐ de xíng wéi shì fàn dài dòng tā rén cān yǔ huò xiǎng yìng

Word origin

带 (dài, "carry or lead") + 头 (tóu, "head") combines leading with the front position, linking the compound to starting an activity and bringing others along.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may associate leadership mainly with planning or managing, but this word often highlights the first visible action even when no formal leader exists.

Other meanings

  • guideverb
  • take chargeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word