Translation and Meaning of: 頭 - atama

If you have ever studied Japanese, you have certainly encountered the word 頭 (あたま), which means "head". But do you know the origin of this kanji, how it is used in everyday Japanese or even popular expressions involving this part of the body? In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, the meaning and the origin of this word, as well as tips for memorization and cultural curiosities. If you want to learn how to write it correctly, understand its use in sentences, or even discover how this word appears in unexpected contexts, keep reading!

In the largest Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo, you will find not only the translation of 頭, but also practical examples to use in memorization programs like Anki. And if you've ever wondered why the Japanese use this word so much in idiomatic expressions, let's uncover that together.

Etymology and origin of the kanji 頭

The kanji 頭 is composed of two radicals: 豆 (bean) and 頁 (head, face). At first, it may seem strange to associate "bean" with "head," but there is a historical explanation. In ancient China, this character was used to represent the upper part of the body, and the radical 豆 served as a phonetic indicator, aiding in pronunciation. Over time, the meaning consolidated as "head" in both Chinese and Japanese.

In Japanese writing, the kanji 頭 maintains its traditional form, unlike simplified Chinese. The kun'yomi reading is あたま (atama), while the on'yomi is とう (tou), as in words like 頭脳 (ずのう, zunou – brain, intellect). Interestingly, this kanji also appears in medical terms, such as 頭痛 (ずつう, zutsū – headache), showcasing its versatility.

Everyday use and popular expressions

In Japan, 頭 is not limited to the literal meaning of "physical head." It appears in various idiomatic expressions that reflect Japanese culture and thought. For example, 頭がいい (atama ga ii) means "to be smart," while 頭にくる (atama ni kuru) is used when someone is furious – something like "boiling the head." Have you ever thought about how these phrases illustrate the connection between the mind and emotions?

Another interesting use is in 頭を下げる (atama o sageru), which means "to bow" or "to apologize." This expression reflects the importance of humility in Japanese society. And if you have ever heard 頭が固い (atama ga katai), know that it does not relate to bones, but rather to someone "stubborn" or "close-minded." These nuances make Japanese a language rich in subtleties.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A fun way to remember the kanji 頭 is to associate the radical 頁 with a head wearing a hat (the top stroke) and the 豆 with a small object on top of it. Visualizing the character as a face with a bean balanced on top can help reinforce it in memory. Another tip is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting phrases like 頭が痛い (atama ga itai – I have a headache) to provide context.

Did you know that 頭 also appears in animal names? 猫の頭 (neko no atama) means "cat's head," and in Japan, there are even sweets shaped like character heads called あたまシリーズ (atama shirīzu). Additionally, in some regional dialects, such as the one from Osaka, the pronunciation can vary slightly, showing how a simple word can have multiple facets. Why not try using 頭 in a conversation today?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

かしら (kashira) - head (can be used to refer to humans or as an expression of authority)
あたま (atama) - head (part of the body)
ず (zu) - head (often used in compositions or as a part of a whole)
かぶりがしら (kaburigashira) - head (used in a more stylized sense, referring to a top or cover)
こうべ (kōbe) - head (used more formally, or referring to the upper position)

Related words

冒頭

boutou

start; start; start

先頭

sentou

head; lead; avant-garde; first

頭痛

zutsuu

Headache

頭脳

zunou

head; brains; intellect

口頭

koutou

oral

街頭

gaitou

In the street

トップ

topu

main

怒り

ikari

anger; hate

暗算

anzan

mental arithmetic

主人

aruji

master; head (of a household); landlord; husband; employer; host

頭

Romaji: atama
Kana: あたま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: head

Meaning in English: head

Definition: The upper part of the body. It contains mainly the brain.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (頭) atama

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (頭) atama:

Example Sentences - (頭) atama

See below some example sentences:

頭が痛いです。

Atama ga itai desu

I have a headache.

頭 (atama) - head
が (ga) - subject particle
痛い (itai) - sore
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

頭痛がする。

Zutsuu ga suru

I have a headache.

頭痛 - means headache in Japanese.
が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
する - verb meaning "to feel" or "to experience".

冒頭に挨拶をする。

Boutou ni aisatsu wo suru

Do a greeting at the beginning.

Gold the beginning.

冒頭 - means "beginning" in Japanese.
に - is a Japanese particle that indicates where or when something happens. In this case, it indicates that the action of "挨拶をする" (making a greeting) takes place at "冒頭" (the beginning).
挨拶 - means "greeting" in Japanese.
を - is a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence. In this case, it indicates that the action of "する" (to do) is directed towards "挨拶" (greeting).
する - is a Japanese verb meaning "to do". In this case, it is used to indicate the action of "making a greeting" at the "冒頭" (beginning).

口頭で伝えることが大切です。

Kōtō de tsutaeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to communicate verbally.

It is important to convey verbally.