头号

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The term "头号" (tóuhào) literally combines "head" and "number" to mean "number one" or "top-ranked." It is used as a modifier before nouns to indicate the highest rank or most important position in a category.

Common Contexts

  • Ranking or status: "头号销售" (top salesperson), "头号敌人" (number one enemy).
  • Popularity or prominence: "头号热门" (top hit), "头号话题" (top topic).
  • Priority or importance: often used in news or reports to highlight the most significant person or thing.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 头号 + noun: to indicate the foremost or leading entity.
  • Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as business, media, or police reports.

Nuance and Register

Using "头号" emphasizes the primacy or top status clearly and strongly. It is more formal and emphatic than just saying "第一" (first). Avoid using it casually for trivial rankings.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "头号" with "号码" (number) or "第一" (first) alone. "头号" carries a nuance of prominence or priority beyond mere order.

Example Sentences

He is the company's top salesperson with the best performance.

This movie is the top box office hit this year.

He is considered the prime suspect; the police are investigating.