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棱角 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
棱角léngjiǎoedge and cornerHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #24157, Very Hard
棱角léngjiǎoprotrusionHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #24157, Very Hard
棱角léngjiǎosharpness (of a protrusion)HSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #24157, Very Hard
棱角léngjiǎocraggyHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #24157, Very Hard
棱角léngjiǎoridge cornerHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #24157, Very Hard
léngjiǎo(leng2jiao3)leng jiao T2
  1. 1edge and corner
  2. 2protrusion
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March 24, 2026

棱角(稜角)léngjiǎo(leng2jiao3)

棱角 refers to the sharp edges and corners of an object, often emphasizing its angularity or ruggedness. It can describe both physical objects and metaphorical qualities, such as someone's character being 'sharp' or 'craggy', indicating a strong, perhaps uncompromising personality.

Strokes19Frequency#24157DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, having '棱角' can be associated with being principled and strong-willed, as many admire individuals who are straightforward and unyielding in their beliefs, much like the sharp edges they describe.

Memory tip

Imagine a mountain range with sharp ridges (棱) and jagged edges (角). The sound 'leng' can remind you of 'lengthy' edges, while 'jiao' sounds like 'jagged', helping you visualize those prominent corners.

Meanings of 棱角

léngjiǎo(leng2jiao3)
1edge and corner
2protrusion
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About 棱角

棱角Simplified
稜角Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 棱角

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AI study notes for 棱角

Quick Contrast

棱角 (léngjiǎo) vs 边缘 (biānyuán) — use 棱角 to emphasize sharpness or angularity, while 边缘 refers to edges or peripheries without the same connotation of ruggedness.

Usage Notes

棱角 is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with softer terms for edges, like 边缘 (biān yuán), which refers to boundaries rather than sharpness. It's typically used in descriptive language rather than in formal writing.

HSK Study Tips

While not an HSK vocabulary word, it can be connected to HSK Level 4 words like 角 (jiǎo) meaning 'angle' or 'corner'. Students should focus on understanding its use in describing objects and personalities.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 棱角 with softer terms like 边缘 (biān yuán), which refers to a more gentle edge. Ensure you use 棱角 when describing sharp or prominent angles.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 棱角

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Component characters

棱léngsquared timber; angle, corner, edge
12 strokes木
View full entry
角jiǎoangle
HSK 37 strokes角
View full entry

How to say edge and corner in Chinese

“edge and corner” in Chinese is棱角léngjiǎo

棱角 refers to the sharp edges and corners of an object, often emphasizing its angularity or ruggedness. It can describe both physical objects and metaphorical qualities, such as someone's character being 'sharp' or 'craggy', indicating a strong, perhaps uncompromising personality.

When to use 棱角

棱角 is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with softer terms for edges, like 边缘 (biān yuán), which refers to boundaries rather than sharpness. It's typically used in descriptive language rather than in formal writing.

棱角 or something close to it

棱角 (léngjiǎo) vs 边缘 (biānyuán) — use 棱角 to emphasize sharpness or angularity, while 边缘 refers to edges or peripheries without the same connotation of ruggedness.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 棱角 with softer terms like 边缘 (biān yuán), which refers to a more gentle edge. Ensure you use 棱角 when describing sharp or prominent angles.

Write 棱角

棱
角

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Cultural Notes for 棱角

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, having 'sharp edges' might be seen as a negative trait, suggesting someone is abrasive, while in Chinese culture, it is often viewed positively as strength and integrity.

Frequently asked questions about 棱角

Yes, it can describe a person's character, suggesting they are strong-willed or uncompromising.

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