脊 (jí) - Spine, backbone, ridge & refers to the vertebral column or any ridge-like

脊Tone 2

jí ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

慧佳

脊 · jí

Spine, backbone, ridge;

refers to the vertebral column or any ridge-like structure.

Spine, backbone, ridgerefers to the vertebral column or any ridge-like

Usage highlights

SpineBackboneMountain ridgeRoof ridgeSpinal cordVertebra

Synonyms

  • 背— back (general term for the dorsal area)
  • 柱— pillar, column (metaphorical for support)

Antonyms

  • 腹— abdomen, belly (opposite side of the body)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He injured his spine (脊柱) in the accident.
  • The mountain ridge (山脊) was clearly visible.
  • This book is the backbone (脊梁) of our curriculum.
  • The roof ridge (屋脊) was decorated with carvings.

Collocations

  • Spine(脊柱)
  • Backbone(脊梁)
  • Mountain ridge(山脊)
  • Roof ridge(屋脊)
  • Spinal cord(脊髓)
  • Vertebra(脊椎)

Idioms

  • To send chills down one's spine(毛骨悚然)
  • The backbone of the nation(民族脊梁)
  • Breaking the spine and damaging the bones(折脊损骨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the spine symbolizes strength, support, and moral backbone.
  • The term '脊梁' metaphorically refers to people who serve as the moral or structural support of society.
  • Architectural ridges, especially on traditional Chinese buildings, often have symbolic and decorative significance.

FAQ