Definition
头子 has two main uses. In standard Mandarin it is a pejorative noun for a 'ringleader' or 'boss' of a criminal or unpopular group. In some dialects (especially Sichuanese) it can also mean 'the best one' or 'winner' in a competition, closer to a neutral or even positive sense. The word is always colloquial and informal; avoid it in formal writing unless referring to a gang leader.
n.
(pejorative) ringleaderchiefboss (of a gang or undesirable group)(dialectal) the best onewinnerchampion
Examples
- 头子。Nàge hēibāng tóu zi yǐjīng bèi jǐngchá zhuā zhù le.That gang leader has already been caught by the police.
- 头子。Zhè cì bǐsài de tóu zi ná dào le yí wàn yuán jiǎngjīn.The winner of this competition received a ten-thousand-yuan prize.
- 头子，。Tāmen dōu tīng nàge tóu zi de huà, méi rén gǎn fǎnkàng.They all obey that boss's orders; no one dares to resist.
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