Meaning
Originally refers to the pointed tip of a grain stalk (like rice or wheat). By extension, it came to describe someone who is sharp-minded, intelligent, or outstanding. It's now primarily used as a literary or formal term, and very commonly appears in people's names to convey intelligence and talent.
Usage
In modern usage, 颖 is rarely used as a standalone word in everyday conversation. It appears mostly in formal writing, classical texts, and especially in personal names (particularly for girls). When used independently, it typically appears in set phrases like 脱颖而出 (to stand out from the crowd) or 新颖 (novel, original).
Examples
- 01这个设计很新颖，让人眼前一亮。, .This design is very novel and really catches the eye.
- 02她从小就聪颖好学，深受老师喜爱。, '.She has been intelligent and studious since childhood, deeply loved by her teachers.
Common collocations
- 聪颖过人exceptionally intelligent
- 颖慧intelligent and wise
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 穎 combines the grain radical 禾 (hé, grain) with 頃 suggesting 'pointed tip'. The character literally depicted the sharp point at the top of a grain stalk, which metaphorically extended to mean 'sharp-minded' or 'outstanding'.