Translation guide
The English word 'sting' can refer to a sharp pain from an insect or plant, a burning sensation, emotional hurt, or an undercover police operation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe being stung by an insect (bee, wasp) or pricked by a plant (nettle, thorn).
General verb for a sharp object piercing skin, used for insect stings, thorns, and needles. Transitive verb.
I got stung by a bee.
This plant stings, so be careful.
Passive form, commonly used to describe being stung. Often more natural than active when the agent is unknown or obvious.
I got bitten by a mosquito and it itches.
Noun meaning 'insect bite/sting'. Used for the resulting bump or irritation.
The insect sting swelled up badly.
To describe a sudden sharp pain, like from a cut, burn, or chemical.
Onomatopoeic verb describing a stinging, smarting pain, often from a burn, scrape, or strong chemical.
My skin stings from the sunburn.
The antiseptic stung on the wound.
Verb for a liquid or substance causing a stinging sensation on a wound or sensitive area. Intransitive.
Onomatopoeic expression for a quick, sharp sting, like a mild electric shock or spicy food.
This toner gives a slight stinging sensation.
To describe a sharp emotional pain caused by someone's words or actions.
Metaphorical phrase meaning 'to pierce the heart', used for words that sting emotionally.
His words stung my heart.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'to stick in one's chest', often used for poignant or hurtful remarks.
That criticism really stung.
Adjective meaning 'biting, scathing, stinging' (of criticism, sarcasm).
I was hit with a stinging sarcasm.
To refer to a deceptive operation by law enforcement to catch criminals.
In English, mosquitoes 'bite', but in Japanese, mosquitoes are said to 刺す (sasu) because they pierce the skin. 噛む (kamu) is used for chewing or biting with teeth, like a dog bite.
I got bitten by a mosquito.
I was bitten by a dog.
The katakana loanword スティング is only used for the musician Sting or the movie 'The Sting'. It is not used for the physical sensation or police operation.
Sweat got in my eyes and it stings.
A sting operation was carried out.