Introduction to ‘棘手 (jí shǒu)’
The term 棘手 (jí shǒu) is a commonly used Chinese phrase that directly translates to “thorny” or “tricky.” It signifies situations that are difficult, complicated, or challenging. In this article, we will delve into the detailed meaning, grammatical structure, and practical example sentences to illustrate its usage in contemporary Mandarin.
Meaning of ‘棘手 (jí shǒu)’
In its most literal form, the term ‘棘手’ refers to something that has thorns, making it literally “thorny.” Metaphorically, it is used to describe problems or situations that are difficult to handle. It paints a vivid picture of a dilemma that is fraught with complications, akin to grappling with thorns that cause pain or discomfort.
Common Contexts
- Addressing complex interpersonal situations
- Solving challenging business problems
- Dealing with sensitive subjects
- Engaging in negotiations
Grammatical Structure of ‘棘手’
The phrase ‘棘手 (jí shǒu)’ can be broken down into two characters:
- 棘 (jí): This character is associated with “thorn” or “prickle.” It serves to illustrate that something is sharp and potentially harmful.
- 手 (shǒu): This character means “hand” and often symbolizes manual action or the way one deals with a situation.
When combined, ‘棘手’ describes a situation where the “hands” (the people involved) are likely to get hurt or be troubled when they attempt to manage the “thorns” of life.
Adjective Usage
Structurally, ‘棘手’ is an adjective and typically follows this pattern:
- Subject + 是 (shì) + 棘手 + 的 (de) + Object
This pattern helps to clarify which aspect or object is difficult or thorny.
Example Sentences Using ‘棘手’
1. In Everyday Conversation
这个问题真棘手。 (Zhège wèntí zhēn jíshǒu.)
Translation: “This problem is really tricky.”
This sentence is a straightforward commenting on the difficulty of a specific issue encountered in daily life.
2. In Professional Contexts
我们面临一些棘手的挑战。 (Wǒmen miànlín yīxiē jíshǒu de tiǎozhàn.)
Translation: “We are facing some thorny challenges.”
This example shows the phrase being used in a work environment, indicating that the team is dealing with particularly tough challenges in their projects.
3. Discussing Relationships
这段关系变得棘手。 (Zhè duàn guānxì biàn dé jíshǒu.)
Translation: “This relationship has become complicated.”
In this instance, ‘棘手’ describes the complexities and difficulties that have arisen in a personal relationship.
4. Negotiation Scenarios
谈判中的棘手问题太多了。 (Tánpàn zhōng de jíshǒu wèntí tàiduōle.)
Translation: “There are too many tricky issues in the negotiations.”
This example highlights how ‘棘手’ can be used in a formal context, emphasizing the complications faced during negotiations.
Conclusion
Understanding the term ‘棘手 (jí shǒu)’ offers significant insight into the complexities of language and human interaction in Mandarin. With its ability to describe challenging situations vividly, it serves a crucial role in communication. By utilizing this term in various contexts, language learners can enhance their Mandarin skills and navigate complex social situations more effectively.

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