Meaning
敏锐 describes someone or something that is remarkably sharp, quick, or sensitive in perception, observation, or response. It's commonly used to describe mental acuity, sensory sharpness, or the ability to notice subtle details that others might miss. This word carries a positive connotation and suggests both natural ability and refined skill.
Usage
敏锐 is formal to neutral in register and frequently appears in written Chinese, professional contexts, and analytical discussions. It commonly modifies words like 观察力 (observational ability), 洞察力 (insight), 嗅觉 (sense of smell/intuition), 反应 (reaction), and 思维 (thinking). Native speakers use it to compliment someone's perceptiveness or to describe sharp instincts in business, science, or daily observation.
Examples
- 01她对市场变化有着敏锐的洞察力。.She has keen insight into market changes.
- 02记者需要敏锐的观察力才能发现新闻背后的真相。.Journalists need sharp observation skills to discover the truth behind the news.
Characters
Common collocations
- 敏锐的观察力keen powers of observation
- 嗅觉敏锐keen sense of smell/sharp intuition
- 思维敏锐sharp thinking
- 反应敏锐quick reaction
Antonyms
Origin
敏 originally meant quick or agile, while 锐 depicted a sharp weapon or blade. Together they form a compound meaning sharp-minded or keen in perception, combining the ideas of mental quickness and penetrating sharpness.