来头 (lái tóu) — background, connections, or backing (of a person, often implying influence); motive or reason behind someone's words or actions; (colloquial) interest, fun, or excitement
Definition
来头 refers to someone's background or backing — typically the influence, connections, or hidden motive that explains why a person (or their words) carry weight. Often used to suggest there's more behind a person than meets the eye.
noun
backgroundconnectionsor backing (of a person, often implying influence)motive or reason behind someone's words or actions(colloquial) interestfunor excitement
Examples
- 来头，。Zhè ge rén hěn yǒu lái tóu, dà jiā dōu duì tā hěn kè qi.This person has influential backing; everyone is polite to him.
- 来头，。Tā shuō huà yǒu lái tóu, bú shì suí biàn shuō de.There's a motive behind his words; he doesn't speak casually.
- 来头，。Zhè ge yóu xì méi shén me lái tóu, wán qǐ lái méi yì si.This game isn't very interesting; it's boring to play.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.