Definition
杀头 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to behead' or 'to decapitate', historically used as a form of capital punishment. Because it is a separable verb, you can split it: 杀了头 ('beheaded'), 杀他的头 ('behead him'). When an object, measure word, or modifier goes between, the verb 杀 and the noun 头 separate.
v.o.
to beheadto decapitate (as a form of execution)
Examples
- ，杀头。Zài gǔdài, shā tóu shì yì zhǒng chángjiàn de xíngfá.In ancient times, beheading was a common punishment.
- 。Huángdì xiàlìng shā le tā de tóu.The emperor ordered his head cut off.
- 杀头。Tā yīnwèi fàn le zhòng zuì bèi shā tóu le.He was beheaded because he committed a serious crime.
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