总统 — meaning in English: president

zǒngtǒng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for president

信息

xìnxī

该规范

gāi guīfàn

学习

xuéxí

总统

zǒngtǒng

链

liàn

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 总统 in discussions about government, politics, or during elections. For example, one might say, "我们的总统在大会上发表了演讲," meaning 'Our president gave a speech at the conference.' It is commonly heard in news reports, political debates, or casual conversations among citizens discussing current affairs.

Synonyms & nuances

While 总统 is the direct translation for 'president,' another term, 首脑 (shǒunǎo), refers more to 'leader' or 'head,' which can apply to various contexts. You would choose 总统 specifically when discussing the official title and role of a country's president, while 首脑 might be used in a broader sense relating to leadership.

Culture

The term 总统 (zǒngtǒng) literally translates to 'the head of the government' and has its roots in the historical context of governance in China. Originally used in the early 20th century, it reflects China's transition to a republic and has since evolved to denote the highest-ranking official in a democratic context. Interestingly, the word can also evoke discussions about the power dynamics and responsibilities that come with such a prestigious title.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 总统?

The pronunciation of 总统 is zǒngtǒng. It has two syllables, where the first syllable has a rising tone and the second syllable has a falling tone.

Q.How do you use 总统 in a sentence?

You can use 总统 in sentences such as, '他是中国的总统,' which means 'He is the president of China.' It's a straightforward way to refer to the president in discussions.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 总统?

A common mistake is confusing 总统 with other political titles like 领导 (lǐngdǎo), which means 'leader.' Remember, 总统 specifically refers to a president, while 领导 encompasses a broader range of leadership roles.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000