Definition
手头 (shǒu tóu) is a noun with two meanings: 'physically on hand' (nearby, available) and 'one's current financial situation' (tight, well-off). It differs from 身边 (shēn biān, 'at one's side') by focusing on objects within reach, not a person's presence. For finances, 手头 describes temporary liquidity, while 富裕 (fù yù) and 宽松 (kuān sōng) are adjectives for overall wealth or relaxed conditions.
noun
on handat hand (physically nearby)one's financial situation (tight, well-off, etc.)
Examples
- 手头。Wǒ shǒu tóu yǒu yì běn cídiǎn.I have a dictionary on hand.
- 手头，。Tā zuìjìn shǒu tóu hěn jǐn, bù gǎn luàn huā qián.He's short of money lately and doesn't dare spend recklessly.
- 手头，。shǒu tóu de gōngzuò tài duō, zuò bù wán.There's too much work on hand to finish.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.