How to Write 首 (shǒu) — Meaning “head or first”

A common mistake is to write the top part incorrectly; it should be a dot and a horizontal stroke. Remember the stroke order: dot, horizontal, left-falling, horizontal, vertical, horizontal, horizontal, horizontal, horizontal. Practice by writing it in sections: first the top, then the bottom, and ensure the bottom has three horizontal lines evenly spaced.

馗 is a rare character meaning 'crossroads' and is more complex, while 首 is common and means 'head' or 'first'. Common expressions include 首先 (first of all), 首都 (capital city), and 一首歌 (a song, using 首 as a measure word for songs).

You'll see 首 in everyday contexts like 首先 (first), 首都 (capital), and as a measure word for songs and poems, e.g., 一首歌 (a song). It's also used in formal terms like 首相 (prime minister) and 首领 (leader).

In ancient Chinese culture, the head was considered the most important part of the body, symbolizing honor and leadership. This is why 首 also means 'leader' or 'chief'. The character's evolution from a pictograph of a head to its current form shows how language preserves cultural values.

首 combines with many characters to create new meanings. For example, 首先 (first), 首都 (capital), 首次 (first time), 首领 (leader), and 一首歌 (a song). These combinations show how 首 conveys the idea of 'first' or 'head' in various contexts.

Common words containing 首 include: 首先 (shǒu xiān) — first of all; 首都 (shǒu dū) — capital city; 一首歌 (yī shǒu gē) — a song.