Translation guide
The English word "barb" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a sharp point on a hook or wire, a sharp or cutting remark, and a type of feather. Less common meanings like a breed of horse or a type of pigeon are omitted.
The backward-facing point on a fishhook, arrow, or barbed wire that prevents easy removal.
The most common word for a barb on a hook, arrow, or similar object. It refers to the backward-facing projection that catches.
この釣り針にはかえしが付いている。
This fishhook has a barb.
Literally 'reverse thorn', used for barbs on plants, wire, or tools. More technical or descriptive.
有刺鉄線には鋭い逆刺がある。
Barbed wire has sharp barbs.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like fishing or archery equipment, but not as common as かえし.
バーブ付きの矢じりを使う。
Use an arrowhead with a barb.
A remark that is meant to hurt or criticize, often cleverly or indirectly.
Sarcasm or irony; a remark that says the opposite of what is meant, often to criticize. Very common for 'barb' in the sense of a cutting comment.
彼の皮肉が胸に刺さった。
His barb stung me.
A snide or spiteful remark, often more directly unpleasant than 皮肉. Can be used for a barb that is openly nasty.
Literally 'poison tongue', refers to sharp, caustic speech or a person who habitually makes such remarks. Often used for a series of barbs.
A phrase meaning 'a stinging word', capturing the sensation of a barb. More descriptive and less common as a set phrase.
彼のチクリとくる言葉に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his barb.
The thin, hair-like strands that branch off the main shaft of a feather.
The technical term for the barbs of a feather. Used in biology and ornithology.
羽枝が絡まって羽が元に戻らない。
The barbs are tangled and the feather won't go back to normal.
Literally 'feather branch', a more descriptive and accessible way to refer to barbs in everyday conversation.
羽の枝がほつれている。
The barbs of the feather are frayed.
彼女は嫌味ばかり言う。
She's always making barbs.
彼の毒舌には慣れっこだ。
I'm used to his barbs.