莿 (cì) - Thorn & thorny plant

莿Tone 4

cì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

莿 · cì

Thorn;

thorny plant;

a type of jujube tree with thorns.

Thornthorny planta type of jujube tree with thorns.

Usage highlights

Thorns and bramblesThorny jujubeSharp thornsThorny plantsThorny branchesPrickly thorn

Synonyms

  • 刺— thorn; sting; pierce
  • 棘— thorn bushes; brambles

Antonyms

  • 花— flower (symbol of beauty vs. thorns)
  • 柔— soft; gentle (opposite of sharp/prickly)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The path was overgrown with thorny bushes (莿棘).
  • This plant has sharp thorns (莿刺).
  • The jujube tree (莿枣) produces small fruits.

Collocations

  • Thorns and brambles(莿棘)
  • Thorny jujube(莿枣)
  • Sharp thorns(莿刺)
  • Thorny plants(莿草)
  • Thorny branches(莿枝)
  • Prickly thorn(莿针)

Idioms

  • Thorns and brambles filling the path(荆棘莿途)
  • Thorny words and prickly speech(莿言棘语)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents obstacles, difficulties, or defensive qualities in nature.
  • Historically used to describe rugged, inhospitable terrain.
  • The thorny jujube (莿枣) is a specific variety mentioned in classical texts.

FAQ