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March 24, 2026
棘jí(ji2)
The character 棘 (jí) primarily refers to thorns or brambles, often associated with plants that have sharp spines. It can also denote the jujube tree, which is known for its edible fruit and thorny branches. Commonly used in botanical contexts, it conveys a sense of sharpness or difficulty, both literally and metaphorically.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#31806DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the jujube tree is valued not only for its fruit but also for its medicinal properties, often associated with health and vitality. The thorns symbolize challenges or obstacles that must be navigated.
Memory Tip
Imagine a jujube tree (that has thorns) with sharp, pointy branches that can hurt you if you touch them. The character 棘 has a 'tree' radical (木) on the left, indicating its relation to plants, while the right side suggests something sharp or prickly, just like a thorn.
Meanings of 棘
jí(ji2)
1jujube tree; thorns, brambles
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 棘
棘Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 棘
Podcast: 棘
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AI Study Notes for 棘
Quick Contrast
刺 (cì) - use 棘 (jí) when referring specifically to thorns of certain plants, while 刺 (cì) can refer to any sharp point or sting.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a jujube tree (that has thorns) with sharp, pointy branches that can hurt you if you touch them. The character 棘 has a 'tree' radical (木) on the left, indicating its relation to plants, while the right side suggests something sharp or prickly, just like a thorn.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 棘 (jí) with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as 及 (jí, to reach). This character is more formal and is often used in written contexts rather than spoken language. Common phrases include 棘手 (jí shǒu), meaning 'thorny' or 'difficult'.
HSK Study Tips
While 棘 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other botanical terms and can enhance your understanding of plant-related vocabulary. Focus on recognizing the radicals and their meanings to aid in memorization of this character.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the jujube tree is valued not only for its fruit but also for its medicinal properties, often associated with health and vitality. The thorns symbolize challenges or obstacles that must be navigated.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 棘 with 刺 (cì), leading to confusion between thorns and other sharp objects. Remember that 棘 specifically refers to thorny plants, while 刺 can refer to any sharp object.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棘
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Grammar Patterns of 棘
棘 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他和我把这个____手的问题整个儿都讨论清楚了。
He and I have talked through this whole tricky problem.
Example Sentences for 棘 (10)
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1
他和我把这个棘手的问题整个儿都讨论清楚了。
tā hé wǒ bǎ zhè gè jí shǒu de wèn tí zhěng gè ér dū tǎo lùn qīng chǔ le。
He and I have talked through this whole tricky problem.
A ratchet mechanism transfers the thread from spool to bobbin.
Cultural Notes for 棘
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the jujube tree is valued not only for its fruit but also for its medicinal properties, often associated with health and vitality. The thorns symbolize challenges or obstacles that must be navigated.
Word Family of 棘
Words Containing This Character8
棘手jíshǒuintractable
荆棘jīngjíbrambles荊棘
棘jíthorns
披荆斩棘to break through hardships披荊斬棘
沙棘sea-buckthorn
棘轮ratchet棘輪
棘皮动物echinoderm, the phylum containing sea urchins, sea cucumbers etc棘皮動物
荆棘载途lit. a path covered in brambles荊棘載途
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 棘手 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 棘
It is pronounced as 'jí', with a rising tone.
It is less common in everyday speech and more frequently found in written contexts, especially in literature or formal discussions about plants.
You might consider related terms like 刺 (cì), which also means thorn, but has a broader application.
