鍼 (zhēn) - Needle — a slender pointed implement used for & also refers to acupuncture needles.

鍼Tone 1

zhēn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

鍼 · zhēn

Needle — a slender pointed implement used for sewing, medical procedures, or as a component in instruments;

also refers to acupuncture needles.

Needle — a slender pointed implement used foralso refers to acupuncture needles.

Usage highlights

Acupuncture needleSewing needleCompass needleInjection needleNeedle therapyNeedle tip

Synonyms

  • 针— needle (simplified/common form)
  • 針— needle (traditional form)

Antonyms

  • 锤— hammer (blunt tool vs. sharp needle)
  • 棒— stick/club (blunt object)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The doctor used an acupuncture needle (鍼灸 needle).
  • She threaded the sewing needle (缝衣鍼).
  • The compass needle points north (指南鍼).
  • This requires a fine needle for the injection (注射鍼).

Collocations

  • Acupuncture needle(鍼灸针)
  • Sewing needle(缝衣鍼)
  • Compass needle(指南鍼)
  • Injection needle(注射鍼)
  • Needle therapy(鍼疗)
  • Needle tip(鍼尖)

Idioms

  • As if sitting on a bed of needles(如坐鍼毡)
  • Thread follows the needle(穿鍼引线)
  • A needle hidden in silk floss(绵里藏鍼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for acupuncture (鍼灸), a practice dating back thousands of years.
  • In literature, often symbolizes precision, sharpness, or something small but potent.
  • The character appears in idioms describing discomfort or subtle danger.

FAQ