箭 (jiàn) - Arrow — a projectile shot from a bow & also refers to things shaped like an arrow

箭Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

箭 · jiàn

Arrow — a projectile shot from a bow;

also refers to things shaped like an arrow or moving swiftly like an arrow.

Arrow — a projectile shot from a bowalso refers to things shaped like an arrow

Usage highlights

Bow and arrowArrowheadRocketArrow bambooPoisoned arrowCupid's arrow

Synonyms

  • 矢— arrow (archaic term)

Antonyms

  • 盾— shield
  • 弓— bow (complementary rather than opposite)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The archer shot an arrow (箭).
  • Time flies like an arrow (光阴似箭).
  • The compass needle points north (指南针的指针).
  • The rocket launched like a fiery arrow (火箭).

Collocations

  • Bow and arrow(弓箭)
  • Arrowhead(箭头)
  • Rocket(火箭)
  • Arrow bamboo(箭竹)
  • Poisoned arrow(毒箭)
  • Cupid's arrow(爱神之箭)

Idioms

  • Time flies like an arrow(光阴似箭)
  • As if releasing a bowstring(如箭在弦)
  • Returning like an arrow(归心似箭)
  • Shoot two hawks with one arrow(一箭双雕)
  • Draw the bow after the thief has gone(贼去关门，箭已离弦)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Archery was one of the Six Arts in ancient Chinese culture, and arrows were essential military weapons.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, certain plants like 'arrow bamboo' (箭竹) are named for their resemblance to arrows.
  • The arrow symbolizes speed, direction, and purpose in Chinese idioms and metaphors.

FAQ