About
棘 is an ideogram formed by placing two 朿 (cì) components side by side. Each 朿 originally depicted a sharp thorn or wood splinter. By duplicating this element, the character intensifies the visual meaning to convey a dense thicket of thorns or spiky shrubs, botanically referring to plants like the sour jujube. Metaphorically, this concept extends to describe situations that are difficult, prickly, or problematic, leading to its use in compound words for intractable issues or perilous circumstances that cause distress and hindrance.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这片土地长满了荆棘。
这个问题很棘手。
小心那些棘刺。
荆棘丛生的小路很难走。
处理棘手事务需要耐心。
棘皮动物是海洋生物。
他们正在清理庭院里的荆棘。
面对棘手的挑战，他从不退缩。