Sharp or irritating effect
刺 + body sensation or response
In words like 刺激, 刺眼, 刺耳, and 刺骨, 刺 (cì) describes a sharp, stinging, or irritating sensation.
Watch the stroke order, then trace it yourself.
刺has 2 distinct senses for the same pronunciation

In words like 刺激, 刺眼, 刺耳, and 刺骨, 刺 (cì) describes a sharp, stinging, or irritating sensation.
A knife (刂) pricks a bundle (朿) — to stab or pierce sharply.
to stimulate; provoke; irritate
Grating to the ear / harsh sounding
Piercing to the bone / bone-chilling
satire; sarcasm; to mock
She is good at making exquisite embroidery works
Be careful, there are thorns on the rose stem.
This ointment is very effective for acne.
This drink strongly stimulates the taste buds
The spy tried to gather military intelligence.
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Characters from the same exam level.
Characters pronounced "ci".