荆棘 (jīng jí) — thorns, brambles; thorny undergrowth

Definition

Literary word for 'thorns and brambles' (荆 + 棘, two kinds of thorny plants), used as a metaphor for hardships and obstacles on life's path — stronger and more poetic than the everyday 刺 or 杂草.

noun

thornsbramblesthorny undergrowth

Examples

荆棘，。
Sēn lín lǐ yǒu hěn duō jīng jí, zǒu lù yào xiǎo xīn.
There are many brambles in the forest; be careful when walking.
荆棘，。
Chuàng yè de lù shang chōng mǎn le jīng jí, dàn wǒ men yào jiān chí.
The path of entrepreneurship is full of thorns, but we must persevere.
荆棘，。
Tā bō kāi jīng jí, jì xù qián jìn.
He pushed aside the brambles and continued forward.