Definition
调头 (diào tóu) is a verb-object separable compound (离合词) meaning 'to turn around' — physically turning a vehicle or one's body, or figuratively changing one's direction, topic, or opinion. When you need to insert an aspect marker (了, 过) or a measure word, the two syllables split: 调了一个头 ('made a U-turn').
v.o.
to turn around (direction/body/vehicle)to change direction or topicto change one's mind
Examples
- 调头，。Qiánmiàn bù néng diào tóu, wǒmen děi rào lù.We can't turn around up ahead; we have to take a detour.
- ，。Tā diào guo jǐ cì tóu, zuìhòu háishì juédìng qù.He changed his mind several times, but finally decided to go.
- 。Sījī zài shízì lùkǒu diào le yí ge tóu.The driver made a U-turn at the intersection.
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