Describes sharpness of intellect, insight, or criticism. A literary, somewhat formal word. Often used in phrases like 犀利な分析 (sharp analysis) or 犀利な批評 (keen criticism).
His sharp analysis hit the core of the problem.
犀利な批評家として知られている。
He is known as a keen critic.
The kanji 犀 (sai) means 'rhinoceros' or 'sharp', and 利 (ri) means 'sharp' or 'advantage'. The combination emphasizes keenness or sharpness, likely of Chinese origin (compare Chinese xīlì).