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針 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
針zhēnneedle, pin, tack; acupuncturex, 10 strokes, radical 釒, rank #42002, Very Hard
zhēn(zhen1)zhen T1
  1. 1needle, pin, tack; acupuncture
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March 24, 2026

針zhēn(zhen1)

The character 針 (zhēn) refers to a needle or pin, commonly used for sewing or medical acupuncture. It implies precision and sharpness, often associated with both physical tools and metaphorical uses, such as 'pinpointing' information.

Strokes10Radical釒Frequency#42002DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture (针灸) plays a significant role, with needles used to stimulate specific points on the body for healing. This practice is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is often seen as a holistic approach to health.

Memory tip

Imagine a needle (針) with a shiny metallic tip that resembles a small spear. The top part, 針, looks like a sharp point, while the bottom part represents the action of sewing things together, like connecting threads in life.

Meanings of 針

zhēn(zhen1)
1needle, pin, tack; acupuncture
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 針

針Simplified
10Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 針

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Podcast: 針

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AI study notes for 針

Quick Contrast

针 (zhēn) vs 针头 (zhēntóu) — use 针 for the general concept of a needle, and 针头 specifically when referring to the needle's tip.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 針 with the similar-sounding character 真 (zhēn), which means 'true' or 'real.' This word is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in medical discussions regarding acupuncture. Common collocations include '针灸' (zhēn jiǔ) for acupuncture.

HSK Study Tips

針 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it can be relevant for learners at HSK 3 or 4 who are expanding their vocabulary related to health and everyday tools. Focus on recognizing it in medical contexts and practice using it in sentences.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 針 with similar characters like 针 (the simplified version). Additionally, they might misuse it in phrases, such as saying '我有针' (Wǒ yǒu zhēn) when intending to say they have a needle for a specific purpose, which can sound vague without context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 針

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Etymology of 針

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 針. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 十 represents the sound.

Memory hint

A metal 釒 pin 十

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 針?

Decomposition of 針

IDS Structure⿰釒十
針Full character
=
釒jin1
left
十shi2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 針?

How to say needle, pin, tack; acupuncture in Chinese

“needle, pin, tack; acupuncture” in Chinese is針zhēn

The character 針 (zhēn) refers to a needle or pin, commonly used for sewing or medical acupuncture. It implies precision and sharpness, often associated with both physical tools and metaphorical uses, such as 'pinpointing' information.

When to use 針

Be careful not to confuse 針 with the similar-sounding character 真 (zhēn), which means 'true' or 'real.' This word is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in medical discussions regarding acupuncture. Common collocations include '针灸' (zhēn jiǔ) for acupuncture.

針 or something close to it

针 (zhēn) vs 针头 (zhēntóu) — use 针 for the general concept of a needle, and 针头 specifically when referring to the needle's tip.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 針 with similar characters like 针 (the simplified version). Additionally, they might misuse it in phrases, such as saying '我有针' (Wǒ yǒu zhēn) when intending to say they have a needle for a specific purpose, which can sound vague without context.

Write 針

針

Practice writing 針 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 針

Words containing this character20
针对zhēnduìto target針對
针zhēnpin針
方针fāngzhēnpolicy方針
针对性focus針對性
打针dǎzhēnto give or have an injection打針
针织knitting針織
针灸zhēnjiǔacupuncture and moxibustion針灸
别针pin別針
指南针zhǐnánzhēncompass指南針
针刺to prick with a needle針刺
指针clock hand指針
针锋相对zhēnfēngxiāngduìmeasure for measure針鋒相對
探针probe探針
针孔pinhole針孔
一针见血fig. to hit the nail on the head一針見血
大海捞针lit. to fish a needle from the sea大海撈針
时针hour hand時針
针剂fluid loaded into a syringe for a hypodermic injection針劑
预防针heads-up預防針
针线needlework針線
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 針

What does 针对 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 針

There is no difference; 针 is the simplified form of 針, used in mainland China.

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