打针
dǎ zhēn · to get or give an injection
我明天要去医院打针。
I have to go to the hospital for an injection tomorrow.
Usage note: Despite 打 usually meaning “hit,” learn 打针 together as the everyday expression for getting or giving an injection.
Chinese character · HSK 4
针 (zhēn) — “needle”
The metal radical (钅) represents the needle itself, while the right component (十) visually represents the cross-stitch it creates.
Memory cue
A metal needle (钅) sews a perfect cross-stitch (十).
Video mnemonic
Watch 针 in motion
See the visual story unfold, then connect it to the words and sentences below.
Common ways to use 针
针 means a physical needle in medical and pointing tools, and it also extends to the idea of directing something toward a target.
时针
shí zhēn · hour hand of a clock
时针现在指着三。
The hour hand is pointing at three now.
Usage note: The clock hand is called a 针 because it is a thin pointer resembling a needle.
指南针
zhǐ nán zhēn · compass
这个指南针坏了。
This compass is broken.
Usage note: Here 针 is the magnetic needle that points in a direction.
针对
zhēn duì · to target; to be aimed at; in response to
这门课针对初学者。
This course is aimed at beginners.
Usage note: Think of attention being directed toward one specific point, like the point of a needle.
方针
fāng zhēn · policy; guiding principle
公司公布了新的发展方针。
The company announced a new development policy.
Usage note: Learn 方针 as a whole for an overall policy or guiding principle; 针 does not mean a physical needle here.
Inside the character
- 钅 (metal) — meaning component. The metal side — often marks tools, weapons, ore, or anything cast or forged.
- 十 (ten) — sound component. A simple cross — used for counting, completeness, or as a structural anchor.
Where 针 comes from
Simplified from 針. The traditional character combines 金 (metal) and 咸 (phonetic). The simplified version uses 钅 (metal) and 十, which visually evolved into the serendipitous image of a needle making a stitch.
Don’t mix up 针
These characters are close enough in shape to misread at speed. Telling them apart is a matter of spotting the one component that differs.
- 计 (jì, to calculate / to plan) — Both contain 十 — the difference is 钅 in 针 versus 讠 in 计.
- 汁 (zhī, juice / fluid) — Both contain 十 — the difference is 钅 in 针 versus 氵 in 汁.
Learn 针 the visual way. InkSeal pairs every HSK 1–6
character with an illustration like this one, Common-use words and sentences,
component breakdowns, etymology, and recall-first review. The first 100
characters are free.
More characters: 问 (wèn, to ask) · 麦 (mài, wheat) · 两 (liǎng, two / pair) — or browse the full character library.