noun
General term for a sewing needle, pin, or any thin pointed object used for piercing or fastening.
針に糸を通す。
I thread a needle.
安全ピンの針が曲がってしまった。
The pin of the safety pin got bent.
noun
Refers to a fishhook or similar hook-shaped object. Often used in compounds like 釣り針 (fishhook).
釣り針に餌を付ける。
I bait the fishhook.
noun
Used for the stinger of an insect or the thorn of a plant, emphasizing the sharp, needle-like part.
蜂の針に刺された。
I was stung by a bee's stinger.
バラの茎には小さな針がある。
Rose stems have small thorns.
noun
Refers to the hands of a clock or a pointer on a gauge or meter.
時計の針が三時を指している。
The clock's hands are pointing to three o'clock.
noun
Specifically a staple used in a stapler. Often referred to as ホッチキスの針.
ホッチキスの針が切れたので補充した。
The stapler ran out of staples, so I refilled it.
noun
Figurative use implying sharp, stinging words or intent. Often appears in set phrases like 針のある言葉.
彼の言葉には針があった。
There was malice in his words.
counter, noun, used as a suffix
counter for stitches
Used as a suffix or counter when counting stitches in sewing or knitting.
この編み物は一針ごとに丁寧に編まれている。
This knitting is carefully done stitch by stitch.
Native Japanese word. The kanji 針 is conventionally associated with needle and pin meanings. The hook sense is sometimes written with 鉤 or 鈎, but 針 is now standard.