How to Write 尖 (jiān) — Meaning “Sharp; pointed; tip”

Picture a small person standing on top of a big mountain — the small figure at the top forms a pointed peak. Because 'small on big' creates a sharp tip, you can remember that 尖 means 'sharp' or 'point'.

The top part 小 should be written narrow, and the bottom part 大 should be wide to show the contrast. A common mistake is making the 小 too big or the 大 too small, which ruins the 'small on big' balance. Also, the left and right dots of 小 should be symmetrical and not touch the horizontal stroke below.

尖 is common in words like 尖叫 (to scream, literally 'sharp call') and 笔尖 (pen tip). It describes anything with a pointed end or acute quality. In Chinese culture, calling someone's opinions '尖锐' (sharp) can mean they are penetrating and insightful, but it can also imply harshness.

Common words containing 尖 include: 尖叫 (jiān jiào) — To scream; to shriek; 笔尖 (bǐ jiān) — Pen nib or tip; 尖锐 (jiān ruì) — Sharp; acute; piercing.