元首

yuánshǒu

noun HSK 7 #5,135

Measure Word

一位元首 wèi

Meanings

1 head of state

Characters

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

Examples

两国元首举行了会谈。

Liǎng guó yuánshǒu jǔxíng le huìtán.

The heads of state of the two countries held talks.

元首访问了三个国家。

Yuánshǒu fǎngwèn le sān gè guójiā.

The head of state visited three countries.

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

元 yuán

首 shǒu