Translation guide
The English verb 'pierce' covers making a hole in something, penetrating a surface, or a sharp object entering flesh. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being pierced, how, and with what tool.
To create a hole in a flat or thin object using a sharp tool.
General phrase for 'make a hole'. Use with a tool like a needle, drill, or punch.
Pierce a hole in the leather.
I pierced holes in the paper with a hole punch.
To pierce through something by thrusting, often with a sharp object. Emphasizes going all the way through.
Pierce the cloth with a needle.
Technical term for 'penetrate' or 'pierce through', used in engineering or formal contexts.
Pierce through the metal plate with a drill.
A sharp object enters the body, often causing pain or drawing blood.
Most common verb for a sharp object piercing skin or flesh. Covers needles, thorns, insect stings, stabbings.
A needle pierced my finger.
A rose thorn pierced my hand.
To stab or thrust into, implying force. Used for knives, spears, or violent piercing.
To pierce through completely, often used in dramatic or literary contexts (e.g., a sword through the body).
To create a hole in the earlobe or body part for wearing earrings or piercings.
Something intangible like light, sound, or cold passes through or cuts through the air.
To break through a surface, layer, or defensive line.
A feeling deeply affects someone, as if stabbing the heart.
刺す is the general verb for piercing with a sharp point (needle, thorn). 突き刺す adds force/thrusting (stabbing). 貫く means to pierce through completely, often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
I was stung by a bee. (pierced by stinger)
He pierced the enemy with a spear.
Light pierced through the clouds.
刺す is for piercing flesh or skin. For making a hole in paper, leather, etc., use 穴を開ける or 突き通す.
ナイフを胸に突き刺した。
He pierced the chest with a knife.
剣が彼の体を貫いた。
The sword pierced through his body.
Her scream pierced my ears.
一筋の光が闇を貫いた。
A beam of light pierced the darkness.
He pierced the enemy's defense.
The final scene of that movie pierced my heart.