首席 — meaning in English: chief

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

Guess the translation for chief

硬件

yìngjiàn

首席

shǒuxí

香烟

xiāngyān

设备

shèbèi

游客

yóukè

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use '首席' in formal business settings, such as when referring to the chief executive officer (首席执行官) of a company or the chief judge in a legal context. It's also common in academic environments to describe the lead researcher or chief academic officer overseeing a department.

Synonyms & nuances

'首席' is often used interchangeably with '首要' (shǒuyào, meaning 'primary' or 'most important'), but '首席' specifically indicates a leadership position, while '首要' can apply more broadly to importance without the connotation of rank. Choosing '首席' emphasizes the authority that accompanies the role.

Culture

'首席' is composed of two characters: '首' meaning 'head' or 'first' and '席' meaning 'seat' or 'position'. Historically, the term has been used to denote someone of high rank or importance, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Chinese culture. In modern usage, it is often associated with leadership roles in various sectors, embodying the respect and authority that comes with such positions.

FAQ

Q.What does '首席' mean in English?

'首席' translates to 'chief' in English, typically referring to someone in a top leadership position, such as a chief executive or chief judge.

Q.How do you use '首席' in a sentence?

You can use '首席' in a sentence like '他是公司的首席执行官', which means 'He is the chief executive officer of the company.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using '首席'?

'首席' should be used in formal contexts. A common mistake is to use it in casual conversations, where simpler terms like '领导' (lǐngdǎo, meaning 'leader') might be more appropriate.

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