锋利 fēnglì sharp (e.g. knife blade)
sharp (e.g. knife blade); incisive; to the point
How to remember 锋利: 锋 spear-point + 利 benefit = sharp (e.g. knife blade).
Characters
How it is used
- 'Sharp' - of blades, and figuratively of words/wit - 锋利的刀 (fēnglì de dāo) a sharp knife; 言辞锋利 (yáncí fēnglì) sharp, cutting words.
- Physical sharpness of an edge, extended to incisive speech or writing.
- Compare 尖锐 (jiānruì, sharp/pointed, often of issues or criticism); 锋利 favors edges and blade-like keenness.
Example sentences
- 这把刀很锋利。 Zhè bǎ dāo hěn fēnglì.This knife is very sharp.