犀 (xī) - Rhinoceros & sharp, penetrating

犀Tone 1

xī ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

犀 · xī

Rhinoceros;

sharp, penetrating;

used to describe keen insight or precision.

Rhinocerossharp, penetratingused to describe keen insight or precision.

Usage highlights

RhinocerosSharp insightIncisive argumentPenetrating gazeRhinoceros hornRhinoceros hide armor

Synonyms

  • 锐— sharp, keen
  • 利— sharp, advantageous

Antonyms

  • 钝— blunt, dull
  • 拙— clumsy, unskilled

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The rhinoceros is an endangered species (犀牛).
  • He has sharp insight (犀利的洞察力).
  • The argument was incisive (犀利的论点).
  • Ancient Chinese used rhinoceros horn in carvings (犀角雕刻).

Collocations

  • Rhinoceros(犀牛)
  • Sharp insight(犀利的眼光)
  • Incisive argument(犀利的论点)
  • Penetrating gaze(犀利的目光)
  • Rhinoceros horn(犀角)
  • Rhinoceros hide armor(犀甲)

Idioms

  • As sharp as a rhinoceros horn(犀角烛怪)
  • Penetrating insight(犀燃烛照)
  • Clear-headed and sharp-witted(心犀目明)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Rhinoceros horn was historically prized in China for carvings and believed medicinal properties.
  • In literary context, '犀' symbolizes sharpness, clarity, and penetrating insight.
  • Rhinoceros hide was used to make armor in ancient times, mentioned in classical texts.

FAQ