頭 — meaning in English: Head

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

Guess the translation for head

メモリ

memori

能力

nōryoku

ディレクトリ

direkutori

ストレス

sutoresu

頭

atama

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

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

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 頭 (atama) in everyday conversations, whether discussing someone's health, like when saying 'My head hurts' (頭が痛い), or when referring to someone as being clever, as in 'He has a good head for business.' It's often used in both casual and professional settings, making it versatile.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 頭 is 髪 (kami), which means 'hair.' While 頭 refers to the head as an entire entity, 髪 specifically denotes the hair on the head. You would choose 頭 when discussing overall head-related concepts, whereas 髪 would be used when talking about hairstyle or hair care.

Culture

Etymologically, 頭 (atama) traces back to the Chinese character 頭, which also means 'head.' In Japanese culture, the head symbolizes not just the physical aspect of the body but also intellectual capacity and wisdom. Thus, phrases involving 頭 often convey deeper meanings, such as 'using your head' or being resourceful, which is culturally valued.

FAQ

Q.What does 頭 (atama) mean in English?

The word 頭 (atama) translates to 'head' in English. It can refer to the physical head or metaphorically to one's intellect or reasoning.

Q.How do you use 頭 in a sentence?

You can use 頭 (atama) in sentences like '私の頭は痛いです' (Watashi no atama wa itai desu), meaning 'My head hurts.' This illustrates both its physical and conversational use.

Q.Is 頭 used in formal situations?

Yes, 頭 can be used in formal situations, especially in medical contexts or when discussing intelligence. For example, you might say, '彼は頭が良い' (Kare wa atama ga yoi), meaning 'He is smart,' which fits both casual and formal settings.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000