lǎotóuzi

老头子

Word · NounTraditional老頭子

old man; husband; boss

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 9 examples
1.

noun

old man; old codger; geezer

informal

Often used with a negative or dismissive tone, implying the person is stubborn, bothersome, or outdated. Can also be used affectionately among family.

Nà那
ge个
wán顽
gù固
de的
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
jiù就
shì是
bù不
kěn肯
tīng听
quàn劝
 。

That stubborn old man just won't listen to advice.

Gōng公
yuán园
lǐ里
jǐ几
ge个
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
zài在
xià下
qí棋
 。

A few old men are playing chess in the park.

Show 1 more example
Wǒ我
men们
jiā家
nà那
ge个
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
jiù就
shì是
zuǐ嘴
yìng硬
xīn心
ruǎn软
 。

The old man in our family talks tough but has a soft heart.

2.

noun

husband

informal

Used by an older wife to refer to her husband. Can sound affectionate, matter-of-fact, or slightly grumpy depending on context.

Wǒ我
jiā家
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
mǎi买
cài菜
qù去
le了
 。

My husband has gone to buy groceries.

Wǒ我
gēn跟
wǒ我
men们
jiā家
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
shāng商
liang量
guò过
le了
 。

I've discussed it with my husband.

Show 1 more example
Tā她
jiā家
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
duì对
tā她
hěn很
hǎo好
 。

Her husband treats her very well.

3.

noun

boss; leader; chief

slang

Originally used in secret societies and gangs to refer to the leader. This usage is now less common but may appear in historical contexts or certain subcultures.

Bāng帮
lǐ里
de的
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
fā发
huà话
le了
 ,
dà大
jiā家
bì必
xū须
zhào照
bàn办
 。

The boss of the gang has spoken; everyone must obey.

Zhè这
jiàn件
shì事
děi得
qǐng请
shì示
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
 。

We need to ask the boss about this matter.

Show 1 more example
Xīn新
lái来
de的
dōu都
děi得
qù去
bài拜
jiàn见
lǎo老
tóu头
zi子
 。

All newcomers must go pay respects to the chief.