領導 / 领导
lǐngdǎo
The English phrase 'leader' can be translated into Chinese using several terms, most commonly 領導 / 领导 (lǐngdǎo). Wiktionary also lists 領袖 / 领袖 (lǐngxiù) and 首領 / 首领 (shǒulǐng).
Meaning: one having authority (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 領導 / 领导 | lǐngdǎo |
| 領袖 / 领袖 | lǐngxiù |
| 首領 / 首领 | shǒulǐng |
| 頭子 / 头子 | tóuzi |
The term 領導 / 领导 refers to a person with authority and can be used as both a noun (leader) and a verb (to lead or guide) depending on the sentence structure.
Which one should you use?
領導 / 领导 is a neutral term commonly used in professional, political or organizational contexts. 領袖 / 领袖 is a formal term used for a highly respected, charismatic or supreme leader, such as a national figurehead or a great ideological leader. 首領 / 首领 is a formal term typically used for the heads of tribes, ethnic groups or specific organized factions. 頭子 / 头子 is a slang term used derogatorily to describe the leader of a criminal gang or a group of bad actors.
How do you pronounce it?
lǐngdǎo
Did you know?
- The use of 領導 / 领导 as a title can function as a social lubricant, allowing speakers to address superiors without using their specific names or titles.
- In some social contexts, calling someone 領導 / 领导 can be used ironically or as a playful tease to suggest a friend is acting too bossy.
- In many Chinese workplaces, employees may refer to their own manager as 領導 / 领导 even when speaking to outsiders to show deference to the hierarchy.
Examples in context
- 中国国家主席President of China
- 公司领导Company leader
- 党领导人Party leader
- 教育领导Education leader
- 我们的老板是一位出色的领导者。Our boss is an excellent leader.
- 球队的领头人Leader of the team
- 示威游行的领头人Leader of the protest
- 伟大的领袖Great leader
- 革命领袖Revolutionary leader
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leader” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
