尖端

• Pinyin: jiān duān
• Hanzi breakdown: 尖 = 小 + 大 (small on top of big — a pointed shape); 端 = 立 + 山 + 而 (to stand + mountain + and — the upright end)

Meaning

The pointed tip or apex of something; cutting-edge; state-of-the-art. Refers to the most advanced level in technology, science, or a field of expertise.

Originally describes the sharp tip of an object, but is now predominantly used metaphorically to mean the forefront of technological or scientific development. Common collocations include 尖端技术 (cutting-edge technology), 尖端科学 (frontier science), and 尖端人才 (top-tier talent).

Examples

1. 该研究机构在量子计算领域始终处于世界尖端地位，引领着行业的发展方向。 That research institute has consistently been at the cutting edge of quantum computing worldwide, setting the direction for the industry’s development.
2. 这款芯片采用了最尖端的纳米制程工艺，性能较上一代提升了百分之四十。 This chip uses the most advanced nanometer manufacturing process, boosting performance by 40% over the previous generation.
3. 培养尖端科技人才是实现科技自主创新的关键所在。 Cultivating cutting-edge tech talent is key to achieving independent innovation in science and technology.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, science, academia, innovation

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 我国在航天领域的尖端技术已跻身世界前列，多项成果令国际同行瞩目。(Our country's cutting-edge technology in the aerospace field has entered the world's forefront, with numerous achievements attracting the attention of international peers.)
• 企业要想保持竞争优势，就必须持续加大对尖端研发领域的投入力度。(If enterprises want to maintain competitive advantages, they must continue to increase investment in cutting-edge research and development.)

Don't Say

• 很尖端的人 — 尖端 typically modifies technology, skills, or fields, not people directly; use 顶尖人才 or 尖端领域的专家 instead

Origin & History

尖 (sharp/pointed) + 端 (tip/end)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal