头头是道
头头是道 (tóu tóu shì dào) literally means “every aspect is the way” and expresses “logical and organized”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: tou tou shi dao, tou tou shi dao,头头是道 meaning, 头头是道 in english
Logical and organized
Pronunciation: tóu tóu shì dào Literal meaning: Every aspect is the Way
Origin & Usage
A Chan expression before it was anything else, meaning that the Way (道) is present at every point (头头) — wherever you put your hand down, that is it. Secularised, it describes speech in which every part connects to every other and the whole thing hangs together. The compliment is about structure rather than truth, and that is the catch: Chinese quite often uses 说得头头是道 of someone whose reasoning is beautifully organised and whose conclusion is wrong.
Examples
English: "His arguments were so logical that everyone agreed with him."
Chinese: 他的论点头头是道，大家都赞同。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
融会贯通
róng huì guàn tōng
Integrate many strands into one understanding
Learn more →
学海无涯
xué hǎi wú yá
Learning is limitless
Learn more →
知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
Learn more →
举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
Learn more →
温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
Learn more →
画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
Learn more →
读万卷书
dú wàn juàn shū
Read extensively for knowledge
Learn more →
抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 头头是道 mean in English?
头头是道 (tóu tóu shì dào) literally translates to “Every aspect is the Way” and is used to express “Logical and organized”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 头头是道 used?
Situation: His arguments were so logical that everyone agreed with him.
What is the pinyin for 头头是道?
The pinyin pronunciation for 头头是道 is “tóu tóu shì dào”.