Definitions

jiān (adjective) sharp; pointed
jiān (adjective) shrewd

Etymology

A point, small  over big 

About

The character '尖' is formed by placing the component for 'small' (小) above the component for 'big' (大), an ideographic structure designed to depict an object with a broad base that narrows to a fine point, thereby encoding the inherent meaning of sharpness or a tapered tip. This conceptual design has maintained its primary reference to physical pointedness, such as describing the apex of a mountain or the end of a tool. Over time, the character's application broadened beyond literal descriptions to encompass figurative uses, where it denotes the highest degree or most advanced state in abstract contexts, such as in expressions for perceptual acuity or superior quality, without displacing its original concrete significance.

Example Sentences Hide

铅笔

Qiānbǐ jiān hěn jiān.

The pencil tip is very sharp.

小心那把刀。

Xiǎoxīn nà bǎ jiāndāo.

Be careful with that sharp knife.

山顶是的。

Shāndǐng shì jiān de.

The mountain top is pointed.

他的声音很锐。

Tā de shēngyīn hěn jiānruì.

His voice is very sharp.

猫的耳朵是的。

Māo de ěrduǒ shì jiānjiān de.

The cat's ears are pointed.

这个问题很锐。

Zhège wèntí hěn jiānruì.

This question is very acute.

她在比赛中表现出顶的水平。

Tā zài bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn chū dǐngjiān de shuǐpíng.

She demonstrated top-level performance in the competition.

锐的批评往往能促进进步。

Jiānruì de pīpíng wǎngwǎng néng cùjìn jìnbù.

Sharp criticism often can promote progress.