Chinese word

木头

Pronunciation

Pinyinmù tou

Meaning

  • nounwood

Example

这张桌子是用木头做的。zhè zhāng zhuō zi shì yòng mù tou zuò de

This table is made of wood.

Illustration for 木头 (wood)

More examples

冬天，我们用木头生火取暖。dōng tiān wǒ men yòng mù tou shēng huǒ qú nuǎn

In winter, we use wood to make a fire to keep warm.

Core concept

Wood in a tangible chunk or material form, imagined as too fixed to respond quickly when the word describes a person.

Common phrases

  • 一堆木头yì duī mù tou

    a pile of wood

  • 木头家具mù tou jiā jù

    wooden furniture

  • 烧木头shāo mù tou

    burn wood

Similar words

木材mù cái: Timber prepared for use in furniture, buildings, and other construction.

Definition in Chinese

本义为木材、原木或木块，常用于指可作为材料的木；俚语中借指行动或反应迟缓、笨拙的人。běn yì wèi mù cái yuán mù huò mù kuài cháng yòng yú zhǐ kě zuò wéi cái liào de mù lí yǔ zhōng jiè zhǐ xíng dòng huò fǎn yìng chí huǎn bèn zhuō de rén

Word origin

木 (mù, "wood") + 头 (tou, "noun-forming suffix") forms 木头 (mùtou, "wood"), an everyday noun for wood as a solid material or piece; that fixed image later applies to a slow or awkward person.

Usage tips

  • Tone and relationship matter when this figurative use refers to a person: close speakers may use it playfully, while the same word can sound rude in a first meeting or official setting.

Other meanings

  • lognoun
  • woodenadjective

Related words

  • 木头人mù tou rénwooden dollnoun

Word lists with this word