Definition
斩首 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to behead' or 'to decapitate'. It is used in formal or historical contexts, especially for executions. Like other separable verbs, 斩 and 首 can split when adding measure words, aspect markers, or complements: for example, 斩了首 ('beheaded'), 斩过一次首 ('beheaded once').
v.o.
to behead (formal)to decapitate
Examples
- 斩首。Gǔdài duì zuìfàn zhíxíng zhǎn shǒu.In ancient times, criminals were executed by beheading.
- 。Nàge fànrén bèi zhǎn le shǒu.That prisoner was beheaded.
- 斩首。Gǔdài jūnzhǔ cháng jiāng dírén zhǎn shǒu.Ancient monarchs often beheaded their enemies.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.