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头发 — meaning in English: hair

tóufǎ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for hair
意见
yìjiàn
保守党
bǎoshǒu dǎng
cháo
头发
tóufǎ
竞选
jìngxuǎn
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 头发 (tóufǎ) in everyday conversations, especially when discussing personal grooming or describing someone's appearance. For instance, you might hear it during a casual chat about a friend's new haircut or while getting a haircut at the salon.
Synonyms & nuances
The word 头发 (tóufǎ) specifically refers to hair on the head, while 毛发 (máofà) can refer to hair in a more general sense, including body hair. You would use 头发 when specifically talking about hair on your head, while毛发 might be used in more technical or medical discussions.
Culture
The word 头发 (tóufǎ) literally translates to 'head hair,' and it reflects a significant aspect of Chinese culture where hair care and hairstyles are often associated with personal identity. In traditional Chinese society, long, flowing hair was a symbol of beauty and virtue, which is still appreciated in modern times through various hair-related customs and styles.
FAQ
Q.What is the pronunciation of 头发 in Mandarin?
The pronunciation of 头发 is tóufǎ, with the first syllable pronounced with a rising tone and the second with a falling tone.
Q.How do you say 'long hair' in Mandarin?
To say 'long hair' in Mandarin, you would say 长头发 (cháng tóufǎ), where 长 (cháng) means 'long'.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 头发?
A common mistake is confusing 头发 (tóufǎ) with other words for hair. Remember that 头发 specifically refers to hair on the head, while 毛发 (máofà) is more general.
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