point out errors to correct them; admonish
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to point out errors (for correction); to criticize (in order to improve); to admonish
formalDerived from ancient medical practice where stone needles (砭) and metal needles (针) were used to treat illness; now used metaphorically for correcting social ills or personal faults. The character 砭 refers to an ancient stone needle whose specific usage has been lost.
Wǒ我
men们
yīng应
gāi该
yǒng勇
yú于
zhēn针
biān砭
shí时
bì弊
，
cù促
jìn进
shè社
huì会
jìn进
bù步
。
We should have the courage to point out the ills of the times to promote social progress.
Lǔ鲁
Xùn迅
de的
wén文
zhāng章
wǎng往
wǎng往
tòng痛
xià下
zhēn针
biān砭
，
zhí直
jī击
shè社
huì会
bìng病
gēn根
。
Lu Xun's essays often harshly criticized society, striking directly at the root of its ills.
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Tā他
de的
píng评
lùn论
zhǐ旨
zài在
zhēn针
biān砭
lòu陋
xí习
，
ér而
fēi非
rén人
shēn身
gōng攻
jī击
。
His commentary aims to correct bad habits, not to make personal attacks.