脑子 nǎozi brains
brains; mind
How to remember 脑子: 脑 brain + 子 child = brains.
Characters
How it is used
- Colloquial 'brains / head' as the thinking organ - 动动脑子 (dòngdong nǎozi) use your head.
- Focuses on mental function: 脑子好使 (nǎozi hǎoshǐ) sharp-minded, 没脑子 (méi nǎozi) brainless.
- 脑子 leans toward the thinking capacity; 脑袋 (nǎodai) leans toward the physical head, though they overlap.
Example sentences
- 他脑子很灵光。 Tā nǎozi hěn língguāng.He's sharp-witted.
- 你肯定脑子糊掉了。 Nǐ kěndìng nǎozi húdiào le.You must be mentally exhausted.
- 汤姆脑子好使。 Tāngmǔ nǎozi hǎoshǐ.Tom is smart.