砭 (biān) - A stone needle used in ancient acupuncture & to criticize or point out faults

砭Tone 1

biān ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

砭 · biān

A stone needle used in ancient acupuncture;

to criticize or point out faults;

to pierce.

A stone needle used in ancient acupunctureto criticize or point out faultsto pierce.

Usage highlights

Stone needleCriticize current illsPiercing coldAcupuncture and stone therapyPiercing windTherapeutic stone

Synonyms

  • 针— needle (in the context of acupuncture/criticism)
  • 刺— to stab; to puncture
  • 批— to criticize

Antonyms

  • 赞— to praise
  • 褒— to commend

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Ancient doctors used stone needles (砭石) for treatment.
  • His words were sharp enough to sting (针砭时弊).
  • The cold wind pierced through the bones (寒风砭骨).

Collocations

  • Stone needle(砭石)
  • Criticize current ills(针砭时弊)
  • Piercing cold(砭骨之寒)
  • Acupuncture and stone therapy(针砭)
  • Piercing wind(砭人肌骨)
  • Therapeutic stone(砭石疗法)

Idioms

  • To criticize current maladies(针砭时弊)
  • Cold that pierces the bones(砭人肌骨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 砭石 (bian1 shi2) were sharpened stones used for medical procedures in ancient China, predating metal acupuncture needles.
  • The character carries a metaphorical meaning of sharp, penetrating criticism, reflecting the physical piercing action of the stone.
  • Its usage in classical texts often combines medical and moral-critical senses.

FAQ