Translation guide
The English verb "stab" covers a range of actions from literal knife attacks to sudden sharp pains and figurative betrayal. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the weapon, motion, intent, and whether the meaning is physical or metaphorical.
To attack or wound by pushing a knife, sword, or similar pointed object into a person or thing.
The most common and general verb for stabbing with a pointed object like a knife, needle, or thorn. Used for both people and things.
A man stabbed someone with a knife.
I accidentally stabbed my finger with a needle.
Emphasizes thrusting deeply into something, often with force. Can be used for weapons or sharp objects penetrating surfaces.
He thrust his sword into the enemy's chest.
An onomatopoeic expression mimicking the sound or sensation of stabbing deeply. Used in narrative or emphatic contexts.
He plunged the kitchen knife in with a stab.
To describe a quick, piercing pain in a part of the body.
A common phrase meaning "a stabbing pain." Used for sudden, sharp pains like headaches or chest pains.
I felt a stabbing pain in my chest.
Means "sharp pain" or "severe pain." Often used in medical contexts, but can describe any intense, sudden pain.
To metaphorically stab someone in the back; to betray trust.
The standard verb for "betray." Covers all kinds of betrayal, including the metaphorical "stab in the back."
I was stabbed in the back by my best friend.
Literally "stab from behind," this is a direct metaphor for betrayal, similar to the English idiom. Used in dramatic or emphatic speech.
He did something like stabbing me in the back.
To jab or poke quickly, often with a finger, to point or gesture.
Means "to poke" or "to jab." Used for quick, sharp prodding motions, not necessarily with a weapon.
He stabbed my shoulder with his finger.
To make a quick, often unsuccessful attempt at something, as in "take a stab at."
A natural way to say "give it a try" or "take a stab at it." Not a direct translation but conveys the same casual attempt.
I took a stab at cooking.
Means "to say something as a wild guess," similar to "take a stab in the dark." Used when guessing without certainty.
刺す (sasu) is only for physical stabbing with a sharp object. Using it for betrayal or sudden pain without the proper phrasing will sound unnatural. For betrayal, use 裏切る (uragiru); for pain, use 刺すような痛み (sasu yō na itami).
刺す (sasu) implies penetration with a sharp point, often causing injury. 突く (tsuku) is a quick poke or jab, not necessarily breaking the skin. Use 刺す for knife attacks, 突く for prodding with a finger or stick.
I felt a stabbing pain in my back.
She stabbed the meat with her fork.
突然、脇腹に激痛が走った。
Suddenly, a stabbing pain shot through my side.
I didn't know the answer, so I took a stab in the dark.