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March 24, 2026
锋利(鋒利)fēnglì(feng1li4)
锋利 (fēnglì) describes something that is sharp, such as a knife or blade, indicating its ability to cut easily. It can also refer to a person's wit or remarks being incisive and to the point, highlighting clarity and precision in communication.
Strokes19Frequency#8908DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of sharpness is often associated with wisdom and clarity of thought. A sharp mind is highly valued, and the term is frequently used in literature to describe insightful critiques or analyses.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'sharp' knife cutting through the air with its '锋' (fēng) edge, which resembles a blade. The '利' (lì) component can be linked to '利器' (lìqì), meaning a sharp tool, reinforcing the idea of sharpness in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
Meanings of 锋利
fēnglì(feng1li4)
1sharp (e.g. knife blade)
2incisive
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 锋利
锋利Simplified
鋒利Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#8908Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 锋利
Podcast: 锋利
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AI Study Notes for 锋利
Quick Contrast
锋锐 (fēngruì) - use 锋利 (fēnglì) for general sharpness, while 锋锐 (fēngruì) is often more specific to the sharpness of blades or tools.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 锋利 in overly casual contexts, as it carries a slightly formal tone. Common collocations include '锋利的刀' (sharp knife) and '锋利的批评' (sharp criticism). Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 锋利 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to precision and clarity. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas about sharpness, both literally and figuratively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 锋利 with 刺 (cì), which means 'to stab.' For example, saying '这把刀很刺' (This knife is very stabbing) is incorrect; instead, use '这把刀很锋利' (This knife is very sharp).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锋利
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锋利 (fēnglì) describes something that is sharp, such as a knife or blade, indicating its ability to cut easily. It can also refer to a person's wit or remarks being incisive and to the point, highlighting clarity and precision in communication.
When to use 锋利
Avoid using 锋利 in overly casual contexts, as it carries a slightly formal tone. Common collocations include '锋利的刀' (sharp knife) and '锋利的批评' (sharp criticism). Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings.
锋利 or something close to it
锋锐 (fēngruì) - use 锋利 (fēnglì) for general sharpness, while 锋锐 (fēngruì) is often more specific to the sharpness of blades or tools.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锋利 with 刺 (cì), which means 'to stab.' For example, saying '这把刀很刺' (This knife is very stabbing) is incorrect; instead, use '这把刀很锋利' (This knife is very sharp).
Write 锋利
锋
利
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Grammar Patterns of 锋利
锋利 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 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____的刀刃可能会划伤皮肤，导致出血。
A sharp blade is likely to nick the skin and draw blood.
