棱角 léngjiǎo edge and corner
edge and corner; protrusion; sharpness (of a protrusion); craggy; ridge corner
How to remember 棱角: 棱 edge + 角 horn = edge and corner.
Characters
How it is used
- Edges and corners of an object - 桌子的棱角 (zhuōzi de léngjiǎo) the sharp corners of a table.
- Very common figuratively for a person's sharp, uncompromising edges: 有棱角 (yǒu léngjiǎo) to have a distinct, unyielding character; 磨平棱角 to have one's edges worn smooth by life.
- That figurative use can be admiring (principled) or cautionary (abrasive), depending on context.