Component 朿 cì thorn or spine on a plant Stroke order ▶ 朿 used in 4 characters HSK 5 刺 cì to pierce; to prick (a sharp object entering or passing through something) HSK 6 策 cè ancient bamboo or wooden strips compiled into a bound volume HSK 7 枣 zǎo jujube fruit; Chinese date 棘 jí jujube tree (deciduous shrub with thorny stems, yellow-green flowers, small sour fruit, seeds used medicinally)