魁 (kuí) - Chief & head

魁Tone 2

kuí ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

魁 · kuí

Chief;

head;

foremost;

outstanding;

large;

of stalwart build;

one of the four constellations in Chinese astronomy representing the Big Dipper.

Chiefheadforemost

Usage highlights

Chief culpritOutstanding talentSturdy buildNumber one scholarLeader of a groupBig Dipper

Synonyms

  • 首— head; first
  • 杰— outstanding; hero
  • 帅— commander-in-chief; handsome

Antonyms

  • 末— end; last
  • 尾— tail; end
  • 庸— mediocre

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was the top scorer in the exam (魁首).
  • She is a leader in her field (魁首).
  • The constellation Ursa Major is known as the Big Dipper (北斗魁).
  • He has a large and sturdy physique (魁梧).

Collocations

  • Chief culprit(罪魁祸首)
  • Outstanding talent(魁杰)
  • Sturdy build(魁梧)
  • Number one scholar(魁甲)
  • Leader of a group(党魁)
  • Big Dipper(北斗魁星)

Idioms

  • The chief culprit(罪魁祸首)
  • Outstanding talent and heroic spirit(魁梧奇伟)
  • To take first place in the examinations(独占鳌头，高占魁首)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial examinations, '魁' referred to the top candidate, the one who came first.
  • In Chinese astronomy, '魁' is part of the 'Four Constellations' (四象) and specifically refers to the first four stars of the Big Dipper.
  • The character carries connotations of leadership, prominence, and physical impressiveness.

FAQ