Translation guide
The English word 'needle' covers sewing tools, medical syringes, pine leaves, and more. Japanese uses distinct words for each meaning, so translating directly can cause confusion.
A thin metal tool with a hole for thread, used for sewing.
The standard word for a sewing needle. Also used for other types of needles like knitting needles.
Please thread the needle.
この針は先が鋭い。
This needle has a sharp point.
A hollow needle used for injections or drawing blood.
The thin, pointed leaf of a pine tree.
Literally 'pine leaf'. This is the natural way to refer to pine needles.
地面に松葉がたくさん落ちている。
There are many pine needles on the ground.
A long, pointed rod used for knitting.
Specifically a knitting needle. 編み means knitting.
編み針でマフラーを編む。
Knit a scarf with knitting needles.
In knitting contexts, 針 alone can be understood as knitting needle.
この針は何号ですか？
What size is this needle?
The small needle that touches a vinyl record to produce sound.
Record needle. 針 alone can be used if context is clear.
レコード針を交換する必要がある。
I need to replace the phonograph needle.
In audio contexts, 針 can mean stylus.
針が摩耗している。
The needle is worn out.
The magnetic needle in a compass.
Magnetic needle. Used in formal or technical contexts.
磁針が北を指す。
The compass needle points north.
Literally 'needle of a compass'. More descriptive.
方位磁石の針が震えている。
The compass needle is trembling.
A very thin needle used in acupuncture.
The specific character for acupuncture needle, but often written as 針 in practice. Pronounced the same.
鍼治療で細い鍼を使う。
Acupuncture uses very thin needles.
Commonly used for acupuncture needles as well.
肩に針を打ってもらった。
I had needles inserted in my shoulder.
Something long, thin, and pointed, like a spire or a sharp peak.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'needle-shaped'.
針状の結晶ができた。
Needle-shaped crystals formed.
Spire or steeple, often described as needle-like in English.
教会の尖塔が空に突き出ている。
The church spire juts into the sky like a needle.
While 針 means needle, calling a pine needle 針 sounds like a metal needle. Use 松葉 (pine leaf) instead.
針 is a broad word that can mean sewing needle, injection needle, knitting needle, etc. The specific meaning is usually clear from context, but if you need to be precise, use compound words like 注射針 or 編み針.