棘
Meanings
1
Refers to sharp pointed growths on plants or animals, such as rose thorns or cactus spines.
I pricked my finger on a rose thorn.
2
splinter; sharp object lodged in flesh
Used for small sharp foreign bodies stuck in skin or throat, such as wood splinters or fish bones.
A tiny splinter is stuck in my finger and it hurts.
A fish bone got stuck in my throat. I can't get the sharp piece out.
3
biting words; sharp remark
Figurative use for speech that feels prickly or hurtful, often in the phrase 言葉に棘がある.
His words always have a sharp edge to them.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に棘が刺さるa thorn/splinter gets stuck in something
A splinter got stuck in my finger and it hurts.
- 棘を抜くto pull out a thorn/splinter
My father pulled the splinter out for me.
- 〈物〉に棘があるsomething has thorns
Rose stems have thorns.
Expressions
- 刺のある言葉stinging words; barbed remarks; harsh language