锋

鋒

fēng

夆 + 钅

Definitions

fēng (noun) sharp point; cutting edge

fēng (noun) vanguard; forward

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: 钅 Phonetic: 夆

About

锋 (traditional 鋒) is formed as a phono-semantic compound, with the metal radical 钅 (simplified) or 金 (traditional) on the left indicating the idea of metal and hence blades and tools, and the right component 逢 acting as the phonetic, guiding the pronunciation. Literally, it refers to the sharp point or the cutting edge of a weapon or tool, the most acute and piercing part of a metal implement. From this core notion of sharpness, the character bears figurative senses: the vanguard of a military force, the cutting edge of any field or trend, and the quality of being incisive or penetrating in speech or intellect.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这把刀很锋利。

Zhè bǎ dāo hěn fēng lì.

This knife is very sharp.

他是球队的前锋。

Tā shì qiú duì de qián fēng.

He is the forward of the team.

先锋团队创新不断。

Xiān fēng tuán duì chuàng xīn bù duàn.

The pioneer team innovates continuously.

刀锋必须保持清洁。

Dāo fēng bì xū bǎo chí qīng jié.

The blade edge must be kept clean.

双方交锋十分激烈。

Shuāng fāng jiāo fēng shí fēn jī liè.

The two sides engaged in a very fierce battle.

锋线球员速度很快。

Fēng xiàn qiú yuán sù dù hěn kuài.

The forward line players are very fast.

这把剑的锋刃很锐利。

Zhè bǎ jiàn de fēng rèn hěn ruì lì.

The cutting edge of this sword is very sharp.

他的言语中暗藏锋芒。

Tā de yán yǔ zhōng àn cáng fēng máng.

His words conceal a sharp edge.

Related Characters

Component: 夆

Component: 钅

锋