刺 (cì) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 刺 (cì) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 刺 (cì) means "To stab / To sting / Thorn.". It is an HSK Level 4 character, with 8 strokes and the radical 刂.

Q: How do you write 刺 stroke by stroke?

刺 has 8 strokes. The radical is 刂. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 刺 and 刎?

刺 (cì) and 刎 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 刺?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 刂. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 刺?

Common words containing 刺 include: 刺激 (cì jī) — To stimulate / Exciting.; 刺耳 (cì ěr) — ear-piercing; harsh (sound); 刺青 (cì qīng) — tattoo.

How to Write 刺

The character 刺 (cì) is written with 8 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 刂 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

刺 is pronounced cì in Mandarin Chinese. It means To stab / To sting / Thorn..

As an HSK Level 4 character, 刺 is an intermediate-level character.

Common Words with 刺

刺激 cì jī

To stimulate / Exciting.

刺耳 cì ěr

ear-piercing; harsh (sound)

刺青 cì qīng

tattoo

Example Sentences

这种运动非常刺激。

zhè zhǒng yùn dòng fēi cháng cì jī

This sport is very exciting.

尖叫声非常刺耳。

jiān jiào shēng fēi cháng cì ěr

The scream is very ear-piercing.

他的手臂上有个刺青。

tā de shǒu bì shàng yǒu gè cì qīng

He has a tattoo on his arm.

Similar Characters

刎 wěn

刑 xíng

划 huá

Practice Writing 刺 (cì)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 刺 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 刺

What does 刺 (cì) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 刺 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 刺 and 刎?

What mistakes do learners make writing 刺?

What common words use 刺?

How to Write 刺 (cì)