Definitions

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

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 锋, traditionally written as 鋒, is structured from the metal radical 金, which appears in its simplified form as 钅, combined with the phonetic component 夆. Its etymology points to an initial meaning centered on the sharp point or cutting edge of a metal tool or weapon. Over time, the character's application expanded beyond physical sharpness to metaphorically denote the forefront or vanguard in various contexts, such as in military or academic settings, reflecting a shift from concrete to abstract usage.

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.