锋芒 (fēng máng) — (literal) cutting edge; tip of a blade; (figura… | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

Literally the cutting edge of a blade; figuratively, a person's sharp, conspicuous talent — often paired with 毕露 or 初露. Usually carries a slightly aggressive or boastful edge, not neutral praise.

noun

(literal) cutting edgetip of a blade(figurative) one's displayed talent or abilities, often with a hint of aggressiveness(figurative) vanguardspearheadleading edge of a movement or trend

Examples

锋芒。
Zhè bǎ dāo de fēng máng hěn fēng lì.
The cutting edge of this knife is very sharp.
，，。
Tā nián qīng qì shèng, fēng máng bì lù, dé zuì le hěn duō rén.
He is young and impetuous, showing off his abilities blatantly, offending many people.
。
Zhè wèi nián qīng shè jì shī zài bǐ sài zhōng fēng máng chū lù.
This young designer first displayed his talent in the competition.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

锋fēngblade edge

芒mángawn tip

The blade edge 锋 and the awn-like tip 芒 together suggest a sharp, exposed edge.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 鋒; 锋 is its simplified writing.

金夆鋒

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

夆

夆páng鋒fēng

Same sound today

The traditional form 鋒 pairs 金 (metal) with a sound part 夆; the simplified 锋 is a shorthand.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

艹亡芒

Meaning part形符xíngfú

艹Written in full as艸cǎograss

Sound part声符shēngfú

亡

亡wáng芒máng

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

芒 pairs 艹 (grass) with 亡 as a sound part.

Appears in

Abstract Concepts

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