Translation guide
A small, sharp point on a plant or animal, or the sensation of a slight stinging or tingling feeling.
The learner wants to refer to a small, sharp point, such as on a plant stem, a cactus, or an animal like a hedgehog.
The most common and general word for a thorn, spine, or prickle on a plant or animal. Can be used for rose thorns, cactus spines, or the prickles of a hedgehog.
A rose prickle got stuck in my finger.
A hedgehog's prickles are hard.
Same as とげ, but written in kanji. Often used in written or formal contexts.
The prickles of this plant are poisonous.
Literally 'needle'. Used for very fine, needle-like prickles, such as on a cactus or a porcupine. Also used for pine needles.
Don't touch the cactus prickles.
The learner wants to describe a slight stinging or tingling feeling on the skin, like from a rough fabric, static electricity, or a mild irritant.
An onomatopoeic word describing a prickling or stinging sensation. Often used for the feeling of a rough sweater, a stinging nettle, or a slight pain.
This sweater feels prickly.
Describes a smarting or stinging pain, often from a burn, sunburn, or chafing. Slightly stronger than ちくちく.
Similar to ひりひり, but often used for a sharper, more electric tingling, like from static electricity or a strong irritant.
The learner wants to express a metaphorical prickling feeling, such as irritation, nervousness, or a thrill.
Means 'to feel irritation'. Used when someone's words or actions cause a prickly, annoyed feeling.
I felt a prickle of irritation at his attitude.
Describes a shiver or thrill, often from excitement, fear, or cold. Can be used for a prickling sensation down the spine.
I felt a prickle of fear down my spine.
とげ is the general term for thorns, prickles, and spines on plants and animals. 針 specifically means 'needle' and is used for very fine, sharp points like cactus spines or pine needles. For a rose thorn, とげ is more natural than 針.
rose prickle
pine needle
English can use 'prickle' as a verb (e.g., 'The sweater prickles'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use an adjective or onomatopoeia like ちくちくする rather than a direct verb translation.
This sweater prickles.
My throat has a prickling pain.
日焼けで肌がひりひりする。
My skin is prickling from sunburn.
静電気で指がピリピリした。
My finger prickled from static electricity.