human head; person; connections; character (dialect)
Meanings
4 senses · 12 examplesnoun
human head
Refers literally to the head of a person, often used in medical, anatomical, or historical contexts.
A model of a human head was placed on the floor.
He sleeps on a pillow shaped like a human head.
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Several human heads were discovered on the battlefield.
noun
person (as a unit of counting or taxation)
Used to count people or distribute items per capita. The term 人头税 refers to historical poll taxes.
These apples are distributed per person, three for each person.
Ancient times had poll taxes, levied according to population size.
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The travel expenses this time are calculated per capita.
noun
connections; relationships with people; networking
informalOften used in the phrase 人头熟 (rén tóu shú) meaning 'to know many people' or 'to have many connections.' Often pronounced with an erhua (人头儿).
He knows a lot of people, so it's much easier to get things done.
In this city, if you don't have connections, you can't do anything.
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He just arrived and doesn't know many people yet.
noun
person's character; moral quality
dialectUsed in certain dialects (particularly Northern Chinese) to comment on someone's character or moral standing. Often used with adjectives like 次 (poor) or 正 (upright).
He has bad character, don't associate with him.
I heard that person is quite upright in character.
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When getting things done, you need to find someone with good character.