What does 芯 mean?
芯 is a Japanese noun meaning “lead (of a pencil)” or “wick” in English. It can also be translated as “core” or “heart (of something)” depending on context. It is written as 芯 in kanji, しん in hiragana, and shin in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N2 vocabulary.
Example sentences
シャーペンの芯が折れた。
The lead in my mechanical pencil snapped.
体の芯まで冷えた。
I was chilled to the bone.