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March 24, 2026
尖jiān(jian1)
The character 尖 (jiān) primarily means 'sharp' or 'pointed', often used to describe the tip of an object like a needle or a mountain peak. It can also imply a keen or shrewd quality in a person, indicating someone who is perceptive or astute in judgment.
Strokes6Radical小Frequency#4459DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sharpness can reflect not only physical attributes but also mental acuity, which is valued in business and social interactions. For instance, a 'sharp mind' is often praised in academic and professional settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp needle with a very尖 (jiān) point that can prick through fabric easily. The character's left side, '山' (mountain), suggests elevation and sharpness, while the right side resembles a sharp point that can penetrate.
Meanings of 尖
jiān(jian1)
1point (of needle)
2sharp
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 尖
尖Simplified
6Strokes
小Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#4459Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 尖
Podcast: 尖
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AI Study Notes for 尖
Quick Contrast
尖 (sharp) vs 锋 (sharp edge) — use 尖 for pointedness or a sharp quality, while 锋 emphasizes the cutting edge of a blade.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 尖 to describe people; it can carry a negative connotation if used to imply 'shrewdness' in a manipulative sense. Common collocations include 尖锐 (jiānruì, sharp, acute) and 尖叫 (jiānjiào, to scream sharply). Always use the correct tone to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 尖 is not categorized under the HSK levels, it is useful for learners preparing for HSK 3 and above, as it can help in describing objects and people's characteristics. Focus on its applications in everyday descriptions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 尖 with other similar-sounding characters like 检 (jiǎn, to inspect). For example, saying '我很尖' (wǒ hěn jiān) to mean 'I am sharp' can be misleading; it's better to say '我很聪明' (wǒ hěn cōngmíng) for 'I am smart.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 尖
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Learning Lab
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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.
The character 尖 (jiān) primarily means 'sharp' or 'pointed', often used to describe the tip of an object like a needle or a mountain peak. It can also imply a keen or shrewd quality in a person, indicating someone who is perceptive or astute in judgment.
When to use 尖
Be cautious when using 尖 to describe people; it can carry a negative connotation if used to imply 'shrewdness' in a manipulative sense. Common collocations include 尖锐 (jiānruì, sharp, acute) and 尖叫 (jiānjiào, to scream sharply). Always use the correct tone to avoid confusion.
尖 or something close to it
尖 (sharp) vs 锋 (sharp edge) — use 尖 for pointedness or a sharp quality, while 锋 emphasizes the cutting edge of a blade.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 尖 with other similar-sounding characters like 检 (jiǎn, to inspect). For example, saying '我很尖' (wǒ hěn jiān) to mean 'I am sharp' can be misleading; it's better to say '我很聪明' (wǒ hěn cōngmíng) for 'I am smart.'
Write 尖
尖
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Grammar Patterns of 尖
尖 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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 4
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