带领 means 'to lead' or 'to guide', especially in a formal, responsible, or organizational context—such as leading a team, guiding students on a field trip, or directing a project. The character 带 (dài) originally means 'to carry' or 'to bring along', suggesting bringing people with you; 领 (lǐng) means 'to lead' or 'to command', often implying authority or direction. Together, they emphasize purposeful, active leadership where the leader is physically or functionally present with those being led.

This verb is commonly used in work, education, and community settings. It implies intentionality and responsibility—not just being ahead, but actively showing the way, making decisions, and ensuring others follow cohesively. It's more formal and weighty than casual synonyms like 带 (dài) alone ('to take along') and is typically followed by a noun phrase indicating the people being led (e.g., 带领学生, 带领团队). It does not take aspect particles like 了 or 过 directly without additional structure (e.g., 带领着, 带领过).