Definition
带刺 is a separable verb (离合词) with two related senses: literally 'to have thorns' (used for plants, fish, etc.), and figuratively 'to be barbed or sarcastic' (used for speech or attitude). When you need to insert a measure word, object, or modifier, the verb splits: 带 can take 着, 了, 过, and 刺 can be modified, e.g. 带了一根刺 ('has a thorn') or 说话带点儿刺 ('speak with a bit of sarcasm'). The figurative sense is more common in everyday conversation.
v.o.
(of plants, animals) to have thorns or spines(of speech, attitude) to be barbedto be sarcastic
Examples
- 带刺，。Zhè zhǒng méigui dài cì, zhāi de shíhou yào xiǎoxīn.This kind of rose has thorns — be careful when picking them.
- ，。Tā shuōhuà zǒng dài yì gēn cì, ràng rén hěn bù shūfu.He always speaks with a barb, making people very uncomfortable.
- ，。Tā de huà li dài diǎnr cì, hǎoxiàng zài pīpíng wǒ.Her words had a bit of a sting, as if she was criticizing me.
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