Meaning and Usage
"领导" (lǐngdǎo) primarily means "leader" or "to lead." It is commonly used to refer to people in positions of authority or leadership, such as company managers, political leaders, or team heads. It can function as a noun (leader) or a verb (to lead).
Common Contexts
You will often hear "领导" in workplace or organizational settings, where it denotes someone who directs or manages others. It is also used in formal contexts, such as meetings or official events, to refer to those in charge.
Collocations and Patterns
- 领导干部 (lǐngdǎo gànbù): leadership cadre, referring to officials or managers
- 领导能力 (lǐngdǎo nénglì): leadership ability
- 领导讲话 (lǐngdǎo jiǎnghuà): leader's speech
Usage Notes
When used as a verb, "领导" emphasizes the act of guiding or directing a group or project. As a noun, it often carries a formal or respectful tone, especially in professional or political contexts. Avoid confusing "领导" with "带领" (dàilǐng), which also means "to lead" but is more about physically leading people or things.
Summary
Understanding "领导" helps learners navigate conversations about authority, management, and organization. It is a key word in formal and professional Mandarin.