Definitions

fēng (noun) sharp point; cutting edge
fēng (noun) vanguard; forward

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 锋 (traditional: 鋒) is a phono-semantic compound. Its left side is the metal radical (钅 in simplified form, 金 in traditional), which indicates the material of blades and tools. The right component 逢 provides the pronunciation. The character literally means the sharp point or cutting edge of a weapon or tool, the most acute part of a metal instrument. This sharpness extends metaphorically to describe the vanguard of an army, the leading edge of a trend, or the incisive quality of someone's speech or intellect.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这把刀很利。

Zhè bǎ dāo hěn fēng lì.

This knife is very sharp.

他是球队的前

Tā shì qiú duì de qián fēng.

He is the forward of the team.

团队创新不断。

Xiān fēng tuán duì chuàng xīn bù duàn.

The pioneer team innovates continuously.

必须保持清洁。

Dāo fēng bì xū bǎo chí qīng jié.

The blade edge must be kept clean.

双方交十分激烈。

Shuāng fāng jiāo fēng shí fēn jī liè.

The two sides engaged in a very fierce battle.

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.

他的言语中暗藏芒。

Tā de yán yǔ zhōng àn cáng fēng máng.

His words conceal a sharp edge.