HSK · Level 55
105 words
Chinese word
尖锐
Pronunciation
Pinyinjiān ruì
Meaning
- adjectivesharp
Example
我对他的尖锐批评很敏感。wǒ duì tā de jiān ruì pī píng hěn mín gǎn
I am very sensitive to his sharp criticism.
More examples
会议上双方围绕尖锐的问题展开了讨论。huì yì shàng shuāng fāng wéi rào jiān ruì de wèn tí zhǎn kāi le tǎo lùn
At the meeting, the two sides discussed the pointed issue.
Core concept
A projecting point or cutting edge that presses into its target, causing a physical sting, painful sensation, or verbal sting.
Common phrases
尖锐的批评jiān ruì de pī píng
biting criticism
尖锐的问题jiān ruì de wèn tí
pointed issue
尖锐的言辞jiān ruì de yán cí
biting remarks
Similar words
敏锐mǐn ruì: Quick to notice slight changes and small differences through sharp senses or intuition.
犀利xī lì: Describes language or expression that is very sharp and leaves a strong impression.
尖刻jiān kè: Describes words or manner that are harsh and hurt another person's feelings.
辛辣xīn là: Describes language or expression that is cutting, shocking, and unpleasant to hear.
Definition in Chinese
常用于形容言辞、批评或观点尖刻、直接且具有攻击性，也可指物体或疼痛的锋利和刺痛感。cháng yòng yú xíng róng yán cí pī píng huò guān diǎn jiān kè zhí jiē qiě jù yǒu gōng jī xìng yě kě zhǐ wù tǐ huò téng tòng de fēng lì hé cì tòng gǎn
Word origin
尖 (jiān, "pointed") + 锐 (ruì, "sharp") combine a pointed shape with cutting force, which extends naturally to painful sensations and forceful language.
Usage tips
- In everyday Chinese, this adjective usually carries a critical or uncomfortable tone, while its closest English equivalent can also praise intelligence, so it is not automatically positive.