Definitions

ruì (adjective) sharp; keen
ruì (adjective) acute; perceptive

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

, the simplified form of , is a phono-semantic compound: the left side, (jīn), a simplification of the radical, signals the meaning 'metal', while the right side, (duì), indicates the sound. Because sharp blades and weapons were forged from metal, the metal radical points to the idea of sharpness, giving the character its primary sense of a keen edge or point, as of a sword or needle. From this literal sharpness, came to describe people with keen intellect, acute perception, and a vigorous, penetrating energy, qualities that seem to 'cut through' confusion and obstacles.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这把小刀非常利。

Zhè bǎ xiǎo dāo fēicháng ruìlì.

This small knife is very sharp.

他的问题很尖

Tā de wèntí hěn jiānruì.

His question is very sharp.

年轻人充满气。

Niánqīng rén chōngmǎn ruìqì.

Young people are full of vigor.

她具有敏的观察力。

Tā jùyǒu mǐnruì de guānchá lì.

She has keen observation skills.

公司的利润突然减。

Gōngsī de lìrùn tūrán ruìjiǎn.

The company's profits suddenly decreased sharply.

意改革公司制度。

Tā ruìyì gǎigé gōngsī zhìdù.

He is determined to reform the company system.

这个三角形有一个角。

Zhège sānjiǎoxíng yǒu yī gè ruìjiǎo.

This triangle has an acute angle.

这支部队是精中的精

Zhè zhī bùduì shì jīngruì zhōng de jīngruì.

This troop is the elite among elites.