Idioms Using “頭” ① – Useful in Business Situations
Table of Contents
1. Idioms Using “頭”
2. Expressions that show ability and the work of the head
3. Expressions that show attitude toward others
4. Summary
5. Similer Articlesi
6. Comment
Q: I like the idiom series.
Are there any famous idioms that use “頭” ?
A: Japanese has many idioms that use parts of the body. Among them, expressions with “頭” often appear in business situations. By learning these idioms, your Japanese will gain more depth and richness, so try to remember and use them.
Expressions that show ability and the work of the head
By combining words like “good / bad,” “sharp,” “hard,” and “put in,” you can describe intelligence, understanding, and flexibility of thinking — in other words, the functions of the head (brain).
[頭がいい／悪い]
[Meaning]
Shows the level of intelligence or understanding (high/low)
[Examples]
鈴木くんは本当に頭が良くて、将来は医者になりたいそうです。
Suzuki is really smart, and he says he wants to be a doctor in the future.
それに対してぼくは頭が悪くて、テストではいつも赤点ばかりです。
On the other hand, I am not smart, and I always get failing grades on tests.
Note: Saying “頭が悪い” (not smart) is very rude, so be careful not to use it toward people.
[頭が切れる]
[Meaning]
Having sharp judgment and understanding, and able to deal with things quickly.
[Examples]
彼女は頭が切れるので、複雑な交渉もスムーズにまとめられます。
She is very smart, so she can smoothly finish even complicated negotiations.
トラブルの原因を瞬時に見抜くあたり、あの新入社員はかなり頭が切れるのだと思います。
The way he quickly found the cause of the trouble makes me think that new employee is really smart.
[頭が固い]
[Meaning]
Not flexible in thinking and unable to adapt
[Examples]
上司は頭が固く、古い社風を変えようとしません。
My boss is not flexible and does not try to change the old company style.
ルールに従うのは大切ですが、頭が固すぎると業務の効率が落ちてしまうのではないでしょうか。
It is important to follow the rules, but if you are too inflexible, the work efficiency will go down.
[頭に入れる]
[Meaning]
To remember firmly, understanding it while memorizing
[Examples]
このマニュアルの内容は必ず頭に入れてから、現場に出てください。
Please be sure to remember the contents of this manual before you go to the work site.
せりふを頭に入れたつもりでしたが、緊張して何も出て来ませんでした。
I thought I had remembered my lines, but I was so nervous that nothing came out.
Expressions that show attitude toward others
Idioms using “頭” can express one’s attitude or position toward others, such as showing respect, making an apology, or making a request.
[頭が下がる]
[Meaning]
To feel respect or admiration for someone’s effort or attitude
[Examples]
炎天下の中で畑作業をする農家の人達に頭が下がる思いです。
I really respect the farmers who work in the fields under the hot sun.
被災地で危険な状態の中、救護活動をする人たちに頭が下がります。
I respect the people who do relief work in the dangerous situation in the disaster area.
[頭を下げる]
This expression has three meanings: “to bow,” “to apologize,” and “to make a request,” and it is used differently depending on the situation. The common idea is that the speaker puts themselves in a lower position than the other person.
[Meaning]
① To bow
② To apologize or express regret
③ To make a humble and earnest request
[Examples]
知らない人に道を聞いて、軽く頭を下げてからその場を去りました。(①)
I asked a stranger for directions, gave a small bow, and then left the place.
お客様に深々と頭を下げて、丁寧にあいさつをしました。(①)
I bowed deeply to the customer and greeted politely.
納期の遅れについては、取引先に頭を下げるしかありませんでした。(②)
About the delay of the delivery date, I had no choice but to apologize to the client.
ミスを認めて、彼は何度も頭を下げていました。(②)
He admitted his mistake and apologized many times.
契約を取るために、先方に頭を下げました。(③)
I asked them earnestly to get the contract.
どうしても留学したくて、親に頭を下げてお金を借りました。(③)
I really wanted to study abroad, so I begged my parents to lend me money.
[頭が上がらない]
[Meaning]
① To admit that the other person is superior to oneself
② To feel indebted and therefore unable to act on equal terms
[Examples]
どんな難問もすぐに解決してしまう先輩には、頭が上がりません。(①)
I can’t compete with my senior who can solve any difficult problem right away.
交渉力がずば抜けている彼には、頭が上がらないよ。(①)
I can’t match him because his negotiation skills are outstanding.
あのプロジェクトの失敗は私の責任なので、課長には頭が上がりません。(②)
The failure of that project was my responsibility, so I can’t hold my head up in front of the section chief.
借金を返し終えるまでは、彼には頭が上がらないです。(②)
Until I finish paying back the debt, I can’t stand on equal terms with him.
Summary
| Category | Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Expressions that show ability and the work of the head | 頭がいい／悪い | Shows the level of intelligence or understanding (high/low) |
| 頭が切れる | Having sharp judgment and understanding, and able to deal with things quickly | |
| 頭が硬い | Not flexible in thinking and unable to adapt | |
| 頭に入れる | To remember firmly, understanding it while memorizing | |
| Expressions that show attitude toward others | 頭が下がる | To feel respect or admiration for someone’s effort or attitude |
| 頭を下げる | ① To bow ② To apologize or express regret ③ To make a humble and earnest request | |
| 頭が上がらない | ① To admit that the other person is superior to oneself ② To feel indebted and therefore unable to act on equal terms |
Similer Articles
- Must-Know for Foreigners Working in Japan: Do You Really Need a Hanko (Personal Seal)?
- Differences in Parts of Speech between Japanese and English②
- Differences in Parts of Speech between Japanese and English①
- Learning the Forms of Japanese from Classical Literature
- Idioms Using “頭” ② – Useful in Everyday Conversations
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