Definition
元首 (yuán shǒu) specifically refers to the ceremonial or political head of a state, such as a president or monarch. 首脑 (shǒu nǎo) is broader: it can mean leader of any organization (company, party, etc.) and appears in compounds like 首脑会议 (summit). Use 元首 only for the highest state leader.
noun
head of state
Examples
- 元首。Liǎng guó yuán shǒu qiānshǔ le hézuò xiéyì.The heads of state of the two countries signed a cooperation agreement.
- 元首。Zhè wèi yuán shǒu jíjiāng duì línguó jìnxíng guóshì fǎngwèn.This head of state will soon pay a state visit to a neighboring country.
- 元首。yuán shǒu yóu gōngmín zhíjiē xuǎnjǔ chǎnshēng.The head of state is directly elected by citizens.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.