Meaning
刺 is a versatile word that can mean to pierce or stab with a sharp object, or refer to the sharp object itself like a thorn or splinter. It can also mean to stimulate or irritate in a figurative sense. As a noun, it historically referred to assassins in ancient China.
Usage
Commonly used both literally (physical stabbing or thorns) and figuratively (harsh words that 'stab' someone's feelings, or irritating sensations). Often appears in compounds like 刺激 (stimulus), 讽刺 (satire), and 刺身 (sashimi). In modern usage, the verb form typically requires an object.
Examples
- 01我的手指被玫瑰刺扎了一下。.My finger got pricked by a rose thorn.
- 02这种刺鼻的气味让人很不舒服。.This pungent smell makes people very uncomfortable.
Measure words
- 根一根刺
Common collocations
- 刺痛stabbing pain; to sting
- 刺耳piercing to the ear; grating
- 刺鼻pungent; irritating to the nose
- 刺骨bone-piercing; biting (cold)
Antonyms
Origin
The character 刺 shows a knife radical (刂) on the right, suggesting cutting or piercing action. The left component originally depicted a bundle of thorns or sharp plants, combining to mean 'to prick' or 'thorn.'