In 15 Seconds
- Physical action of lifting your chin or looking up.
- Used to grab attention or stop someone from staring down.
- Commonly used in photography, medical checks, and social settings.
Meaning
It literally means to lift your head up. It is used when you want someone to look at you or see something above them.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching fireworks with a partner
快抬头看，烟花开始了！
Quick, look up! The fireworks are starting!
At the dentist or doctor
请抬头，让我看一下。
Please raise your head, let me take a look.
Taking a group photo
大家都抬头，看镜头！
Everyone look up, look at the lens!
Cultural Background
The phrase has gained new life with the rise of smartphones. The 'Low-head tribe' (di-tou-zu) refers to people addicted to screens. Encouraging someone to 'tai-tou' is now seen as a call for social connection and mental health.
The Directional Particle
You'll often hear `抬头看` (look up and see). Adding the second verb makes your intention clearer.
The 'Low-Head' Opposite
The opposite is `低头` (dī tóu). If you see a sign saying `拒绝做低头族`, it's asking you to put your phone away!
In 15 Seconds
- Physical action of lifting your chin or looking up.
- Used to grab attention or stop someone from staring down.
- Commonly used in photography, medical checks, and social settings.
What It Means
抬头 is a simple physical action. You use it when someone is looking down. Maybe they are looking at their phone. Maybe they are sad. You are asking them to change their gaze. It is a very direct and clear command or description.
How To Use It
Use it as a verb-object phrase. You can say 请抬头 (Please look up). You can also add a result. For example, 抬头看 means 'look up and see'. It is very flexible in daily life. Use it when pointing out a bird. Use it when someone is hiding their face. It works just like the English 'look up'.
When To Use It
Use it at the doctor's office. They need to see your throat. Use it with friends during fireworks. Use it when someone is glued to their screen. It is perfect for photography too. 'Look at the camera' often starts with 抬头. It feels natural in almost any physical setting.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for 'looking up' information. For a dictionary, use 查 (chá). Don't use it for 'looking up' to someone. For admiration, use 崇拜 (chóngbài). It is strictly about the physical neck movement. If you use it metaphorically, keep it simple. Don't overcomplicate this very physical verb.
Cultural Background
In China, 'low-head tribe' (低头族) is a big deal. These are people always on phones. 抬头 has become a bit of a movement. It's an invitation to see the real world. It also carries a sense of confidence. A person who doesn't 抬头 might seem shy. Raising your head shows you are ready to engage.
Common Variations
抬起头来 is a common longer version. It feels more like a complete action. 别低头 means 'don't look down'. You might hear 抬头见 in some greetings. This means 'see you around'. It implies we live or work close by. It's a very friendly way to say see you soon.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all ages. Just remember it is a physical action, not a research tool.
The Directional Particle
You'll often hear `抬头看` (look up and see). Adding the second verb makes your intention clearer.
The 'Low-Head' Opposite
The opposite is `低头` (dī tóu). If you see a sign saying `拒绝做低头族`, it's asking you to put your phone away!
Not for Research
Never use `抬头` to mean 'looking up a word'. That will confuse people! Use `查词典` instead.
Examples
6快抬头看，烟花开始了！
Quick, look up! The fireworks are starting!
Used to direct someone's attention to the sky.
请抬头，让我看一下。
Please raise your head, let me take a look.
A standard professional instruction.
大家都抬头，看镜头！
Everyone look up, look at the lens!
Common instruction for posing.
别做低头族了，抬头看看路。
Stop being a 'low-head', look up at the road.
A humorous way to tell someone to be careful.
抬头挺胸，你会没事的。
Keep your head up and chest out, you'll be fine.
Used metaphorically for confidence and courage.
请大家抬头看大屏幕。
Everyone please look up at the big screen.
Directing attention to a presentation.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to tell someone to look at the sky.
天上有小鸟，你快___看！
Since the birds are in the sky (天上), you need to lift your head (抬头).
Complete the sentence to encourage a shy person.
别害羞，请___跟我说话。
When someone is shy, they look down; you ask them to '抬头' to make eye contact.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 抬头
Telling a friend to look at something cool.
喂，抬头！
Standard daily use in most situations.
请抬头看黑板。
Polite requests in a professional setting.
请各位抬头关注。
When to use 抬头
Photography
Looking at the camera
Nature
Seeing stars or birds
Social
Stopping phone usage
Medical
Throat exam
Practice Bank
2 exercises天上有小鸟，你快___看！
Since the birds are in the sky (天上), you need to lift your head (抬头).
别害羞，请___跟我说话。
When someone is shy, they look down; you ask them to '抬头' to make eye contact.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 抬头 is only for the physical movement of your head. For prices, use 看价格 or 查询.
Yes, it is neutral. Just add 请 (qǐng) at the beginning to make it 请抬头.
看 just means to look. 抬头 specifically means you are currently looking down and need to move your head up.
You can say 抬起头来 (tái qǐ tóu lái). It sounds more encouraging and supportive.
In a very specific business context, 抬头 (táitóu) can mean the 'header' or 'invoice title' on a document.
Not really a slang version, but 低头族 (dītóuzú) is the popular slang for people who never 抬头 because of phones.
It can, but it usually just means looking forward or slightly up from a downward position.
No. For the sun, use 升起 (shēngqǐ). 抬头 is only for people or animals moving their heads.
Use 回头 (huítóu) instead of 抬头.
Yes, coaches often say 抬头 to remind students not to look at the floor while fighting.
Related Phrases
低头 (To lower one's head)
回头 (To turn one's head/look back)
点头 (To nod one's head)
摇头 (To shake one's head)
仰望 (To look up at with respect/awe)
