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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.
Frequency#13148DifficultyHard
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
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About 尖锐
尖锐Simplified
尖銳Traditional
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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.
She tried to laugh, and the sound was harsh and strident.
4
他一直在问一些尖锐的问题。
tā yī zhí zài wèn yī xiē jiān ruì de wèn tí。
He never stopped asking penetrating questions.
5
玩音乐的人在街角大声弹奏起尖锐刺耳的爵士乐。
wán yīn lè de rén zài jiē jiǎo dà shēng dàn zòu qǐ jiān ruì cì ěr de jué shì lè。
Musicians blast their brassy jazz from street corners.
6
冰很难越过尖锐的角隅.
bīng hěn nán yuè guò jiān ruì de jiǎo yú.
Ice has difficulty in negotiating sharp corners.
Cultural Notes for 尖锐
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 尖锐
Yes, you can describe someone as having a 尖锐的性格 (sharp personality) to indicate they are direct or critical.
Not necessarily; while it often indicates intensity or harshness, it can also be used positively to describe insightful or penetrating analysis.
You can say: 他的批评非常尖锐 (His criticism is very sharp).
