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.
How to remember 针
A metal needle (钅) sews a perfect cross-stitch (十).
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.
Words that use 针
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 打针 | dǎ zhēn | to give or have an injection | HSK 4 |
| 时针 | shí zhēn | hour hand (of a clock) | HSK 4 |
| 针对 | zhēn duì | to target / to focus on | HSK 4 |
Learn 针 the visual way. InkSeal pairs every HSK 1–6 character
with an illustration like this one, plus component breakdowns, etymology, and
spaced review. The first 100 characters are free.
More characters: 问 (wèn, to ask) · 麦 (mài, wheat) · 串 (chuàn, to string together / skewer) — or browse the full character library.