Meanings of 刺
By ear
Play it, then pick what 刺 means.
About 刺
Podcast: 刺
Podcast: 刺
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 刺
刺 (cì) vs 刺激 (cìjī) — choose 刺 for a direct action of pricking or piercing, while 刺激 implies stimulation or provocation.
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 刺; it is pronounced with the first tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in contexts involving sharp objects, pain, or conflict, and can also appear in idiomatic expressions. Common collocations include 刺杀 (assassinate) and 刺痛 (sting).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 刺 connects with other words related to violence or sharpness, such as 刀 (knife) and 伤 (injury). Students should focus on the various contexts in which 刺 can be used, especially in literature and idiomatic expressions.
Learners may confuse 刺 with similar-sounding words like 次 (cì, meaning 'next' or 'second'). For example, using 刺 when you mean 次 in a sentence could lead to confusion, so be sure to clarify the context.
Pronunciation of 刺
Drill the tone of 刺 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 刺 to You
Let me explain 刺 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 刺 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 刺?
Learning Lab
Knowing 刺 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 刺
Phonosemantic compound. 刂 represents the meaning and 朿 represents the sound.
knife
Origin
刺 = 刂 + 朿. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 刺
Parts
Which of these is part of 刺?
How to say thorn in Chinese
“thorn” in Chinese is刺
The character 刺 (cī) primarily means to prick or pierce, often associated with sharp objects or actions. It can also convey a sense of irritation or annoyance when used metaphorically. In literary contexts, it may refer to both physical and emotional wounds, making it versatile in usage.
When to use 刺
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 刺; it is pronounced with the first tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in contexts involving sharp objects, pain, or conflict, and can also appear in idiomatic expressions. Common collocations include 刺杀 (assassinate) and 刺痛 (sting).
刺 or something close to it
刺 (cì) vs 刺激 (cìjī) — choose 刺 for a direct action of pricking or piercing, while 刺激 implies stimulation or provocation.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 刺 with similar-sounding words like 次 (cì, meaning 'next' or 'second'). For example, using 刺 when you mean 次 in a sentence could lead to confusion, so be sure to clarify the context.
Write 刺
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 刺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 刺
刺 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 10 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
它用讽____的语言呈现了天主教作家郑重其事表明的观点。
It presented in satirical terms points made in earnest by Catholic writers.
Common Confusions with 刺
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “thorn”?
Usage Notes for 刺
Learners often confuse 刺 (cī) with 次 (cì) due to similar sounds. Remember that 刺 refers to actions like pricking or stabbing, while 次 refers to order or sequence.
我被刺了一下。
I was pricked.
这是第二次了。
This is the second time.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我被____了一下。
I was pricked.
Example Sentences for 刺 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 刺?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 刺
While 'sting' in Western contexts often refers to insect bites or sharp feelings, in Chinese culture, 刺 can carry a heavier emotional weight relating to betrayal or harm.
Word Family of 刺
Words with 刺
What does 刺激 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刺
刺 (cī) refers more to thorns or sharp objects that can cause injury, while 针 (zhēn) specifically means 'needle' and is typically used in contexts related to sewing or medical procedures. They both imply sharpness, but their usages differ based on context.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 刺?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.