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March 24, 2026
尖锐(尖銳)jiānruì(jian1rui4)
尖锐 (jiān ruì) refers to something that is sharp or pointed in physical or metaphorical contexts. It can describe objects with a sharp edge, as well as intense or penetrating feelings, opinions, or critiques, often implying a level of severity or acuteness.
Strokes18Frequency#13148DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
尖锐 can reflect the cultural emphasis on directness in discussions, particularly in professional settings. Sharp critiques are often valued in Chinese debates and discussions, where clarity is prioritized over ambiguity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp knife (尖) cutting through the air with a piercing sound (锐). The character 尖 looks like a pointed peak, symbolizing sharpness, and the sound 'ruì' can remind you of the word 'ruthless,' which often describes a sharp critique.
Meanings of 尖锐
jiānruì(jian1rui4)
1sharp
2intense
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 尖锐
尖锐Simplified
尖銳Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#13148Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 尖锐
Podcast: 尖锐
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AI Study Notes for 尖锐
Quick Contrast
锋利 (fēnglì) refers specifically to the sharpness of blades or cutting tools, while 尖锐 (jiānruì) can also describe metaphorical sharpness in feelings or critiques.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to use 尖锐 in overly casual contexts, as it can imply severity or harshness. Common collocations include 尖锐的意见 (sharp opinion) and 尖锐的批评 (sharp criticism). Pay attention to the tones; mispronouncing can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on using 尖锐 both in literal and figurative language. It connects well with other adjectives describing intensity and can enhance vocabulary around discussions of critique or analysis.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 尖锐 with 直接 (zhíjiē, direct), using them interchangeably when discussing opinions. Remember, 尖锐 emphasizes intensity and sharpness rather than just straightforwardness.
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Pronunciation of 尖锐
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尖锐 (jiān ruì) refers to something that is sharp or pointed in physical or metaphorical contexts. It can describe objects with a sharp edge, as well as intense or penetrating feelings, opinions, or critiques, often implying a level of severity or acuteness.
When to use 尖锐
Be cautious not to use 尖锐 in overly casual contexts, as it can imply severity or harshness. Common collocations include 尖锐的意见 (sharp opinion) and 尖锐的批评 (sharp criticism). Pay attention to the tones; mispronouncing can lead to confusion with other words.
尖锐 or something close to it
锋利 (fēnglì) refers specifically to the sharpness of blades or cutting tools, while 尖锐 (jiānruì) can also describe metaphorical sharpness in feelings or critiques.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 尖锐 with 直接 (zhíjiē, direct), using them interchangeably when discussing opinions. Remember, 尖锐 emphasizes intensity and sharpness rather than just straightforwardness.
Write 尖锐
尖
锐
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Grammar Patterns of 尖锐
尖锐 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
Complete the Sentence
他因这番____的批评而万念俱灰，茫然不知所措。
He was shattered and bewildered by this trenchant criticism.
Example Sentences for 尖锐 (6)
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1
他因这番尖锐的批评而万念俱灰，茫然不知所措。
tā yīn zhè fān jiān ruì de pī píng ér wàn niàn jù huī， ， máng rán bù zhī suǒ。
He was shattered and bewildered by this trenchant criticism.
2
这是对她最尖锐的批评。
zhè shì duì tā zuì jiān ruì de pī píng。
This was the most biting criticism made against her.
