Definitions

jiān (adjective) sharp; pointed
jiān (adjective) shrewd

Etymology ideographic

A point, small  over big 

About

The character "尖" is a compound ideograph formed by placing the component "小" meaning small above "大" meaning large, a structure that visually conveys the concept of a pointed object with a narrow top and a broad base. Etymologically, this composition directly informs its core meaning of sharpness or a tip, initially applied to describe physical attributes like a needle's point or a mountain's peak. Over centuries, its semantic range expanded to encompass abstract notions of excellence or prominence, evident in compound words such as "尖子" for a top student or "尖端" for cutting-edge technology, while its graphical form has remained consistent.

Example Sentences Hide

铅笔

Qiānbǐ jiān hěn jiān.

The pencil tip is very sharp.

小心那把刀。

Xiǎoxīn nà bǎ jiāndāo.

Be careful with that sharp knife.

山顶是的。

Shāndǐng shì jiān de.

The mountain top is pointed.

他的声音很锐。

Tā de shēngyīn hěn jiānruì.

His voice is very sharp.

猫的耳朵是的。

Māo de ěrduǒ shì jiānjiān de.

The cat's ears are pointed.

这个问题很锐。

Zhège wèntí hěn jiānruì.

This question is very acute.

她在比赛中表现出顶的水平。

Tā zài bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn chū dǐngjiān de shuǐpíng.

She demonstrated top-level performance in the competition.

锐的批评往往能促进进步。

Jiānruì de pīpíng wǎngwǎng néng cùjìn jìnbù.

Sharp criticism often can promote progress.