頭

JLPT N3

Head

Readings

On’yomi: トウ (tō)

Kun’yomi: あたま, かしら (atama, kashira)

• あたま – head • かしら – leader, chief

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

頭

あたま

head

頭痛

ずつう

headache

先頭

せんとう

front

頭文字

かしらもじ

initial letter

頭脳

ずのう

brain

Example Sentences

頭が痛いです。

あたまがいたいです。

My head hurts.

頭痛があります。

ずつうがあります。

I have a headache.

先頭に立ちます。

せんとうにたちます。

I stand at the front.

頭文字です。

かしらもじです。

It is an initial letter.

頭脳を使います。

ずのうをつかいます。

I use my brain.

Cultural Note

🧠 頭 emphasizes both physical and social hierarchy in Japanese culture.
• Literally, it refers to the head of a person, the central part controlling the body.
• Figuratively, it represents leadership, authority, and intellect (頭領, 頭脳).
• The kanji reflects cultural awareness of rank, responsibility, and the importance of the “top” in social and organizational structures.