noun
Refers to sharp pointed growths on plants or animals, such as rose thorns or cactus spines.
バラの棘に指を刺してしまった。
I pricked my finger on a rose thorn.
noun
Used for small sharp foreign bodies stuck in skin or throat, such as wood splinters or fish bones.
指に小さな棘が刺さって痛い。
A tiny splinter is stuck in my finger and it hurts.
魚の骨が喉に刺さった。棘が取れない。
A fish bone got stuck in my throat. I can't get the sharp piece out.
noun
biting words; sharp remark
Figurative use for speech that feels prickly or hurtful, often in the phrase 言葉に棘がある.
彼の言葉にはいつも棘がある。
His words always have a sharp edge to them.