棱角

• Pinyin: léng jiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 棱 = 木 (wood) + 夌 (to ascend — phonetic; a ridge rising above a surface); 角 = horn/corner (pictograph of a horn)

Meaning

Edges and corners; sharp edges; (figuratively) a strong, uncompromising personality or rough edges in one's character.

Literally refers to the edges and corners of a physical object. Figuratively describes a person with a sharp, assertive, and uncompromising character. 棱角分明 (edges clearly defined) can describe both precise physical sharpness and a person with a distinctive, unyielding personality. Used in both physical descriptions and character portraits.

Examples

1. 多年的职场历练逐渐磨平了他身上的棱角，让他变得更加圆滑。 Years of workplace experience gradually smoothed his rough edges and made him more tactful.
2. 这块原石棱角分明，雕刻师在动刀前需要仔细观察其内部构造。 This rough stone has sharp edges; before carving, the sculptor needs to carefully examine its internal structure.
3. 她性格中始终保留着年轻时的棱角，从不轻易向现实妥协。 She has always kept the edge she had when she was young, never easily giving in to reality.

Usage Guide

Context: character description, art, personality, physical objects

Tone: vivid

Do Say

• 他是一个棱角分明的人，做事从不拐弯抹角。(He is a person with sharp edges — straightforward in everything he does.)
• 这件雕塑的棱角处理得极为精准，体现了作者深厚的功力。(The edges of this sculpture are handled with great precision, reflecting the artist's profound skill.)

Don't Say

• 用棱角形容完全圆润平滑的事物 — 棱角强调突出的边缘或鲜明个性，不适用于圆润顺滑的对象

Origin & History

棱 (edge/ridge of a wooden beam) + 角 (corner/angle/horn)

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional/Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal