Meaning and Usage
"荆棘" literally refers to thorny bushes or brambles. It is often used metaphorically to describe difficulties, obstacles, or hardships in life or any endeavor.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "荆棘" in literary or formal contexts when discussing challenges that must be overcome. It can describe physical barriers (like dense thorn bushes) or abstract ones (like career or personal struggles).
Collocations and Patterns
- 荆棘丛生 (jīngjí cóngshēng): overgrown with thorns, describing a difficult terrain.
- 克服荆棘 (kèfú jīngjí): to overcome obstacles, used metaphorically.
- 荆棘之路 (jīngjí zhī lù): a road full of thorns, meaning a difficult path.
Nuances
Using "荆棘" implies not just difficulty but also a sense of pain or danger, as thorns can hurt. It is more vivid and poetic than simply saying "困难" (difficulty). Avoid confusing it with "荆条" which specifically means "willow branches".
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"荆棘" is somewhat literary and formal, suitable for written language, speeches, or elevated conversation rather than casual daily talk.