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 character "锐", meaning sharp or keen, is structured with the metal radical "钅" on the left and the component "兑" on the right, which serves primarily as a phonetic element, a configuration retained in its traditional form "銳" where "金" denotes metal and "兌" provides sound. This composition etymologically ties the character's original meaning to the physical sharpness of metal objects, such as blades or points. Over time, the semantic scope of "锐" extended beyond tangible sharpness to describe abstract qualities like acute intelligence, vigorous momentum, or intense focus, illustrating a gradual shift from literal to figurative usage in the language.

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.