Meaning
The kanji 鋭 (エイ, するど.い) means 'sharp,' 'pointed,' and 'keen.' It can describe both physical attributes, like a blade's edge, and mental qualities, such as acute perception. At its core, 鋭 implies the ability to pierce or cut with precision and intensity.
The kanji 鋭 is composed of two parts: the radical 金 (かね, metal/gold) on the left, and 兌 (だ, to exchange/pleased/sharp) on the right. The 金 radical clearly points to metal objects, which are often sharp – imagine swords, knives, or spearheads. The right component, 兌, contributes both phonetically (giving the 'ei' reading) and semantically (adding to the idea of piercing or cutting through). These elements combined evoke the image of a metallic object with a formidable and penetrating quality.
The visual shape of 鋭 neatly combines these ideas. The metallic aspect on the left hints at tools or weapons, while the intricate strokes on the right suggest the precision and refinement required for a sharp edge. This kanji has 15 strokes and is taught in the 8th grade in Japanese schools. As a Jōyō Kanji, it's crucial for intermediate learners to understand its various nuanced applications.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 鋭 is エイ (ei). You'll often see this reading in compound words, where 鋭 combines with other kanji to create more abstract or specialized meanings related to sharpness, acuity, or excellence. It typically carries a more formal or academic tone than its Kun'yomi counterpart.
- 鋭利 (eiri) — Meaning 'sharpness' or 'keenness,' this compound refers to the physical quality of an edge. For instance, you would describe a sharp knife as 鋭利な包丁 (eiri na houchou).
- 鋭敏 (eibin) — This term means 'sharpness,' 'keenness,' or 'sensitiveness.' It often describes mental acuity, senses, or reactions. For example, 鋭敏な感覚 (eibin na kankaku) translates to 'sharp senses.'
- 精鋭 (seiei) — This term refers to 'elite,' 'the best,' or 'picked' individuals or groups, highlighting a high level of skill, sharpness, and quality. For instance, 精鋭部隊 (seiei butai) means 'elite unit.'
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) for 鋭 is するど.い (surudo-i). This reading almost always appears as the adjective 鋭い (surudoi), which translates to 'sharp,' 'pointed,' 'keen,' or 'acute.' It applies to both physical attributes and abstract qualities like intellect or perception, making it a versatile term in everyday Japanese.
- 鋭い (surudoi) — This is the most common form, meaning 'sharp' (like a blade), 'pointed,' 'keen' (like an intellect or insight), or 'acute' (like pain). For example, you can say 鋭い刃 (surudoi ha - sharp blade) or 鋭い洞察力 (surudoi dousatsuryoku - keen insight).
- 研ぎ鋭い (togisurudoi) — While 研ぐ (togu) means 'to sharpen,' 研ぎ鋭い implies something that has been honed to an exceptionally keen edge, suggesting a refined sharpness.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 鋭 appears in many words, showing its wide range of applications from physical attributes to abstract concepts like intelligence and quality.
- Physical Sharpness:
- 鋭い (surudoi) — Sharp, pointed, keen (e.g., 鋭いナイフ - sharp knife).
- 鋭利 (eiri) — Sharpness, keenness (often describing tools or weapons).
- 鋭角 (eikaku) — Acute angle (a geometric term for an angle less than 90 degrees).
- Mental Acuity & Perception:
- 鋭敏 (eibin) — Sharpness, keenness, sensitiveness (e.g., 鋭敏な頭脳 - keen mind).
- 洞察鋭い (dousatsu surudoi) — Having keen insight.
- 先鋭 (sen'ei) — Pointed, vanguard, leading edge, advanced (often used in political or artistic contexts).
- Quality & Excellence:
- 精鋭 (seiei) — Elite, the best, picked (e.g., 精鋭チーム - elite team).
- 新鋭 (shinei) — New and powerful, freshly picked, up-and-coming (e.g., 新鋭作家 - promising new author).
- 気鋭 (kiei) — Spirited, energetic, up-and-coming (often describes young, talented individuals).
- Effort & Diligence:
- 鋭意 (eii) — Eagerly, earnestly, diligently (e.g., 鋭意努力する - to make diligent efforts).
Example Sentences
彼の視線はとても鋭かった。
Kare no shisen wa totemo surudokatta.
His gaze was very sharp.
新しいナイフは鋭利で、よく切れる。
Atarashii naifu wa eiri de, yoku kireru.
The new knife is sharp and cuts well.
彼女は物事を鋭敏に察知する力がある。
Kanojo wa monogoto o eibin ni satchi suru chikara ga aru.
She has a keen ability to perceive things.
監督は精鋭のチームを作り上げた。
Kantoku wa seiei no chīmu o tsukuriageta.
The director assembled an elite team.
彼の意見はいつも鋭い洞察力に満ちている。
Kare no iken wa itsumo surudoi dousatsuryoku ni michiteiru.
His opinions are always filled with keen insight.
その作家は文壇の新鋭として注目されている。
Sono sakka wa bundan no shin'ei to shite chuumoku sareteiru.
That author is attracting attention as a rising star in the literary world.
問題の核心を鋭く突く質問だった。
Mondai no kakushin o surudoku tsuku shitsumon datta.
It was a question that sharply struck at the core of the problem.
会社は新製品の開発に鋭意を傾けている。
Kaisha wa shinseihin no kaihatsu ni eii o katamuketeiru.
The company is diligently focused on developing new products.
Memory Tip
To remember 鋭, picture a strong metallic object (金, metal radical) skillfully processed (兌, sharp/exchange component) to gain a truly sharp edge or a keen mind. Imagine a master craftsman forging a blade: the metal is strong, and its refinement makes it exceptionally sharp, able to cut through anything. Or, visualize a sharp observer whose mind is like a newly honed blade, precisely dissecting complex ideas.