腦 / 脑
nǎo
The English word 'brain' can be translated into Chinese as 腦 / 脑 (nǎo). If unsure, use 腦 / 脑. Wiktionary also lists 頭腦 / 头脑 (tóunǎo) and 腦子 / 脑子 (nǎozi).
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 腦 / 脑 | nǎo | |
| 頭腦 / 头脑 | tóunǎo | |
| 腦子 / 脑子 | nǎozi | |
| 腦 / 脑 | náu | Hokkien |
| 腦部 / 脑部 | náu-pō͘ | Hokkien |
The formal term 脑 can refer to both the physical organ and the concept of intelligence or intellect.
Which one should you use?
While 腦 / 脑 refers to the physical organ, 頭腦 / 头脑 is often used metaphorically to refer to one's intellect, reasoning or 'mind'. Additionally, 腦子 / 脑子 is a more colloquial way to refer to the brain, often used when discussing someone's intelligence or mental capacity (e.g., 'using one's brain').
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form нозы is used in Dungan, while 腦 / 脑 and 腦部 / 脑部 are used in Hokkien.
How do you pronounce it?
náu
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the term 腦袋 (nǎo dài), which refers to the 'brain' or 'head', literally translates to 'brain bag'.
- Chinese speakers may use 腦筋 (nǎo jīn), meaning 'brain tendon', to describe someone's way of thinking or mental flexibility.
- The character 腦 / 脑 originally included a component representing a 'fontanel' or the soft spot on a baby's head, visually describing the skull's opening.
Examples in context
- 深入了解，先从头脑开始。To gain a deep understanding, start with the brain.
- 我的脑袋有点疼。My head/brain is a bit painful.
- 她的脑子真聪明。Her brain is really smart.
- 他想问题的脑瓜挺灵活的。His brain for problem-solving is quite flexible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brain” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 腦, CC BY-SA 4.0.
