Definition
牵头 (qiān tóu) is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to take the lead' in organizing or coordinating an initiative, often with a mediating role. Unlike 带头 (dài tóu 'to set an example') or 率先 (shuài xiān 'to be the first'), 牵头 emphasizes the organizational and coordinating aspect, not just being first. It can also mean 'to act as a go-between', especially in matchmaking, where it implies initiating and facilitating.
verb
to take the lead (in an initiative, project, etc.)to coordinate or organizeto act as a go-between or mediator (e.g. in matchmaking)
Examples
- 牵头。Zhège xiàngmù yóu wǒmen bùmén qiān tóu.Our department is taking the lead on this project.
- 。Zhè cì hézuò shì tā qiān de tóu.He took the lead in this collaboration.
- 牵头，。Tā cháng gěi péngyou qiān tóu, cùchéng le hǎo jǐ duì.She often acts as a matchmaker for friends and has arranged several couples.
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