head

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on readings are とう, ず, and と, and the kun readings are あたま and かしら. It has 16 strokes. It appears in words for the head of the body and the front of a line or competition.
• Basic usage: 頭 is read あたま and 先頭 is read せんとう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 頭 / 先頭
  • 頭 means head and is read あたま. It refers to the head of the body and appears in expressions for bowing the head.
  • 朝から頭が重くて集中できない。 means “My head has felt heavy since morning, and I cannot concentrate.”
  • 先頭 means front or lead and is read せんとう. It refers to the front of a line or the lead in a competition.
  • 案内役が列の先頭を歩いた。 means “The guide walked at the front of the line.”