元首

yuánshǒu
noun HSK 7-9 #5,135

Measure Word

Meanings

  1. 1 head of state

Characters

Literally 'first head' - the top leader of a nation.

Examples

HSK 3
Yuánshǒu fǎngwèn le sān gè guójiā.
The head of state visited three countries.
HSK 5
Liǎng guó yuánshǒu jǔxíng le huìtán.
The heads of state of the two countries held talks.

Tips

usage
元首 is the formal diplomatic term for any head of state - president, king, emperor. In Chinese news, you'll see it in phrases like 元首外交 (yuánshǒu wàijiāo, summit diplomacy). It's never used casually for a boss or leader.

Stroke Order

yuán
shǒu