领导
To lead
Wörtlich: Lead-guide
Use `领导` to respectfully refer to your boss or any person in authority in professional settings.
In 15 Sekunden
- Means 'to lead' or 'the boss' depending on context.
- Standard professional term for anyone in a higher position.
- Commonly used as a noun in offices and government.
- Can be used jokingly at home to mean 'the real boss'.
Bedeutung
While it literally means 'to lead' as a verb, it is most commonly used as a noun to refer to your boss or anyone in a position of authority.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting
我们需要听取领导的意见。
We need to listen to the leader's (boss's) opinion.
Texting a coworker about a delay
领导还没签字，再等等吧。
The boss hasn't signed it yet, let's wait a bit.
Introducing a guest speaker
欢迎各位领导莅临指导。
Welcome all leaders to come and provide guidance.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The term reflects China's deeply ingrained respect for hierarchy and authority. While it originated in political and military contexts, it transitioned into the corporate world as a standard way to navigate power dynamics without using overly specific job titles.
The 'Safe' Title
If you don't know someone's exact job title in a Chinese company, just call them `领导`. It is always flattering and never offensive.
Don't overdo the verb
While it means 'to lead', in casual conversation, people often use `带` (dài - to take/lead) for small groups. `领导` as a verb sounds quite grand.
In 15 Sekunden
- Means 'to lead' or 'the boss' depending on context.
- Standard professional term for anyone in a higher position.
- Commonly used as a noun in offices and government.
- Can be used jokingly at home to mean 'the real boss'.
What It Means
领导 (lǐngdǎo) is a word with a double life. As a verb, it means to lead or exercise leadership. However, in daily Chinese life, you will almost always hear it used as a noun. It refers to 'the boss,' 'the manager,' or 'the higher-ups.' It is the go-to word for anyone who has power over your paycheck or project. Think of it as a respectful but standard way to address or talk about the person in charge.
How To Use It
You can use it as a title or a general noun. If you are in a meeting, you might say, 'Let’s wait for the 领导 to arrive.' It works for your direct supervisor or even the CEO. You can also use it as a verb: 领导一个团队 (to lead a team). It is very versatile. Just remember that in a professional setting, calling someone 领导 is a safe, polite bet.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are in a professional or official environment. It is perfect for office talk, government interactions, or formal events. If you are texting a colleague about a new policy, you might say, 'The 领导 just sent an email.' It shows you recognize the hierarchy without being overly stiff. It’s also great for showing respect to someone older or more experienced in a group setting.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 领导 with your friends or family unless you are being sarcastic. Calling your spouse 领导 is a common joke in China (the 'household boss'), but don't do it seriously. Also, avoid using it for low-level peer leaders in very casual settings. If you are at a party, don't call the person organizing the drinks the 领导—it sounds like you're at a government conference instead of a fun hangout.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a high value on hierarchy and social roles. Using 领导 acknowledges this structure. Historically, it was a very formal term used within the Party or state-owned enterprises. Today, it has moved into the private sector. It carries a sense of 'the person who makes the decisions.' Interestingly, using it can sometimes be a form of 'face-giving' (giving someone status).
Common Variations
In very formal settings, you might hear 领袖 (lǐngxiù) for a great leader or 'visionary.' In tech startups, people might prefer 老板 (lǎobǎn) for 'boss,' which feels more commercial and less 'official.' If you want to be specific about a manager, you use 经理 (jīnglǐ). But when in doubt, 领导 is the most flexible term in the corporate toolkit.
Nutzungshinweise
Mainly used in professional and official settings. It functions as both a respectful title and a general noun for management.
The 'Safe' Title
If you don't know someone's exact job title in a Chinese company, just call them `领导`. It is always flattering and never offensive.
Don't overdo the verb
While it means 'to lead', in casual conversation, people often use `带` (dài - to take/lead) for small groups. `领导` as a verb sounds quite grand.
The 'Household' Boss
If a Chinese friend introduces their spouse as their `领导`, they are being funny and showing they are 'henpecked' or just very respectful of their partner.
Beispiele
6我们需要听取领导的意见。
We need to listen to the leader's (boss's) opinion.
Standard professional use as a noun.
领导还没签字，再等等吧。
The boss hasn't signed it yet, let's wait a bit.
Common way to refer to a supervisor behind their back respectfully.
欢迎各位领导莅临指导。
Welcome all leaders to come and provide guidance.
Very formal, often used in speeches or official events.
家里的大小事都由领导决定。
All matters in the house, big or small, are decided by the 'leader'.
Humorous use referring to a spouse as the one in charge.
他很有领导才能。
He has great leadership talent.
Using the word as part of a compound noun (leadership).
感谢领导给我的机会。
Thank you, boss, for giving me this opportunity.
Directly addressing a superior with gratitude.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about an office situation.
这位是我们的新___，大家欢迎。
In an office context, '领导' (leader/boss) is the appropriate term for introducing a new superior.
Identify the verb usage of the phrase.
他正在___一个重要的项目小组。
Here, '领导' acts as a verb meaning 'to lead' or 'to head' a project group.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Leader' Terms
Used with friends or small shops
老板 (Lǎobǎn)
Standard office or corporate use
领导 (Lǐngdǎo)
State affairs or historical figures
领袖 (Lǐngxiù)
Where to use 领导
Office Meeting
Reporting to the boss
Government Office
Addressing an official
Formal Dinner
Toasting the host/superior
Home (Joke)
Asking your wife for permission
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, you can add 力 (power) to make 领导力 (lǐngdǎolì), which specifically means 'leadership skills'.
Yes, 老板 (lǎobǎn) sounds more like a shop owner or a private boss, while 领导 sounds more like an official or a corporate executive.
You can say 领导，您好 (Hello, Leader). It's a very common and respectful way to start a conversation.
Usually no. For sports, use 队长 (duìzhǎng). 领导 is reserved for administrative or professional authority.
Absolutely. It's very common in work-related WeChat groups, like saying 好的，领导 (Okay, boss).
Not necessarily. It can refer to 'the leadership' as a collective group, like 校领导 (school leadership).
经理 (jīnglǐ) is a specific job title (Manager), while 领导 is a more general term of respect for anyone above you.
No, that would be weird. Stick to 老师 (lǎoshī). Only use 领导 for school principals or administrators.
It is understood, but they are more likely to use specific titles or 长官 (zhǎngguān) in official contexts.
Yes, if they are your superior at work, the professional hierarchy overrides age.
Verwandte Redewendungen
老板
Boss (more commercial/casual)
上级
Superior/Higher-up (formal)
管理
To manage / Management
主任
Director / Head of department
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