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March 24, 2026
锋(鋒)fēng(feng1)
The character 锋 (fēng) primarily refers to the edge or point of a weapon, such as a spear or tool. It can also denote the forefront or leading position in various contexts, such as in sports or military terminology, highlighting its connotation of sharpness and precision.
Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#11357DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese martial arts, the concept of '锋' is significant as it represents not only physical sharpness but also strategic advantage, embodying the idea of being at the forefront of a conflict or competition.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp spear with a glinting edge pointing forward; the '锋' (fēng) is what makes it deadly. The character is composed of the metal radical '金' (jīn) suggesting strength, combined with '尖' (jiān), which means sharp, emphasizing the character's meaning of a sharp edge.
Meanings of 锋
fēng(feng1)
1point of a spear
2edge of a tool
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锋
锋Simplified
鋒Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#11357Frequency Rank
Podcast: 锋
Podcast: 锋
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AI Study Notes for 锋
Quick Contrast
锋 (fēng) vs 刃 (rèn) — choose 锋 when emphasizing the edge or point of a weapon/tool, while 刃 specifically refers to the blade itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sharp spear with a glinting edge pointing forward; the '锋' (fēng) is what makes it deadly. The character is composed of the metal radical '金' (jīn) suggesting strength, combined with '尖' (jiān), which means sharp, emphasizing the character's meaning of a sharp edge.
Usage Notes
When using 锋, be mindful of its contexts; it is often used in formal settings, especially when discussing military or competitive situations. Common collocations include '锋利' (fēnglì) meaning 'sharp' and '先锋' (xiānfēng) meaning 'vanguard'. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Though not included in the HSK vocabulary, 锋 connects to various HSK-level words related to tools and leadership, such as '领导' (lǐngdǎo). Focus on recognizing its usage in compound words to deepen your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese martial arts, the concept of '锋' is significant as it represents not only physical sharpness but also strategic advantage, embodying the idea of being at the forefront of a conflict or competition.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 锋 (fēng) with its homophones like 风 (fēng, meaning 'wind'). A common mistake is saying '锋' when they mean '风'; ensure context clarifies your meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锋
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Grammar Patterns of 锋
锋 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
双方将在12月16日再次交____以争夺进入四分之一决赛的席位。
The sides must battle again for a quarter-final place on December
In a consumer taste test, Coke went up against Pepsi.
7
他们明白他们正处于一场零和博弈中，双方必须针锋相对，争夺那少得可怜的资源。
tā mén míng bái tā mén zhèng chǔ yú yī cháng líng hé bó yì zhōng， ， shuāng fāng bì xū zhēn fēng xiāng， duì ， zhēng duó nà shǎo dé kě lián de。
They believe they're playing a zero-sum game, where both must compete for the same paltry resources.
8
地上铺满了棱角锋利的石子。
dì shàng pū mǎn le léng jiǎo fēng lì de shí zǐ。
The ground was strewn with sharp-edged pebbles.
9
他的画笔锋粗犷、凌厉。
tā de huà bǐ fēng cū guǎng、 、 líng。
He paints with harsh, slashing brushstrokes.
10
用一把非常锋利的刀将褐色的皮从肉上剥去。
yòng yī bǎ fēi cháng fēng lì de dāo jiāng hè sè de pí cóng ròu shàng bāo qù。
Pare the brown skin from the meat with a very sharp knife.
Cultural Notes for 锋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese martial arts, the concept of '锋' is significant as it represents not only physical sharpness but also strategic advantage, embodying the idea of being at the forefront of a conflict or competition.
Word Family of 锋
Words Containing This Character20
前锋vanguard前鋒
锋fēngvanguard鋒
锋利fēnglìincisive鋒利
先锋xiānfēngvanguard先鋒
刀锋cutting edge or point of a knife, sword or tool刀鋒
交锋jiāofēngto cross swords交鋒
中锋midfielder中鋒
冲锋to charge衝鋒
雷锋Lei Feng (1940-1962), made into a model of altruism and dedication to the Party by propaganda from 1963 onwards雷鋒
冲锋枪submachine gun衝鋒槍
针锋相对zhēnfēngxiāngduìmeasure for measure針鋒相對
锋芒sharp point鋒芒
谢霆锋Tse Ting-Fung or Nicholas Tse (1980-), Cantopop star謝霆鋒
冲锋陷阵to charge and break through enemy lines衝鋒陷陣
边锋wing邊鋒
先锋队vanguard先鋒隊
华国锋Hua Guofeng (1921-), leader of Chinese Communist Party after the Cultural Revolution華國鋒
锋芒毕露to show off one's ability鋒芒畢露
开路先锋pioneer開路先鋒
冷锋cold front (meteorology)冷鋒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 前锋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锋
Common phrases include '锋利' (fēnglì) for 'sharp' and '先锋' (xiānfēng) for 'vanguard', which highlight its meanings.
The pronunciation is 'fēng' with a high-level tone, similar to the English word 'fung' without the 'u'.
While it can be used in everyday conversation, it is more commonly found in formal contexts or specific discussions about tools and leadership.
