Definition
锋利 (fēng lì) primarily describes a blade or knife edge as physically sharp. For remarks or thinking, it means 'incisive' — similar to 尖锐 (jiān ruì) but less harsh/pointed, and less literary than 犀利 (xī lì). 敏锐 (mǐn ruì) is used for keen senses or insight, not for blades.
adjective
sharp (of a blade, knife edge)incisivepenetrating (of remarks or thinking)
Easily confused
- 风力fēng lìsound-alikewind force; wind strength (in meteorology)
Examples
- 锋利。Zhè bǎ dāo de dāorèn fēicháng fēng lì.The blade of this knife is very sharp.
- 锋利，。Tā de pīpíng fēicháng fēng lì, yì zhēn jiàn xiě.His criticism was very incisive, hitting the nail on the head.
- 锋利。fēng lì de dòngchálì ràng tā zǒng néng kàntòu běnzhì.His sharp insight always lets him see through to the essence.
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