Chinese words · HSK 7–9

荆棘

jīngjíTraditional 荊棘

thorns; brambles

Every meaning

jīngjí

  1. thorns; brambles
  2. (fig.) difficulties; obstacles

Its characters

  • 荆jīngchaste tree; bramble
  • 棘jíthorny bush; brambles

Words with 棘

Meanings are from Mandarin The Wild’s own dictionary. Levels follow the official HSK word list (the exam’s 2025 syllabus, levels 7–9 shown together).