Meaning and Usage
The term "头号" (tóuhào) literally combines "head" and "number" to mean "number one" or "top-ranked." It is used as a modifier before nouns to indicate the highest rank or most important position in a category.
Common Contexts
- Ranking or status: "头号销售员" (top salesperson), "头号敌人" (number one enemy).
- Popularity or prominence: "头号热门" (top hit), "头号话题" (top topic).
- Priority or importance: often used in news or reports to highlight the most significant person or thing.
Collocations and Patterns
- 头号 + noun: to indicate the foremost or leading entity.
- Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as business, media, or police reports.
Nuance and Register
Using "头号" emphasizes the primacy or top status clearly and strongly. It is more formal and emphatic than just saying "第一" (first). Avoid using it casually for trivial rankings.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "头号" with "号码" (number) or "第一" (first) alone. "头号" carries a nuance of prominence or priority beyond mere order.