針
Meanings
General term for a sewing needle, pin, or any thin pointed object used for piercing or fastening.
I thread a needle.
The pin of the safety pin got bent.
Refers to a fishhook or similar hook-shaped object. Often used in compounds like 釣り針 (fishhook).
I bait the hook.
Used for the stinger of an insect or the thorn of a plant, emphasizing the sharp, needle-like part.
I was stung by a bee's stinger.
Rose stems have small thorns.
Refers to the hands of a clock or a pointer on a gauge or meter.
The clock's hands are pointing to three o'clock.
Specifically a staple used in a stapler. Often referred to as ホッチキスの針.
The stapler ran out of staples, so I refilled it.
Refers to the activity or craft of sewing. Often used in compounds like 針仕事.
See also: お針
My grandmother is good at needlework.
Figurative use implying sharp, stinging words or intent. Often appears in set phrases like 針のある言葉.
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.
This knitting is carefully done stitch by stitch.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に針を通すto pass a needle through (fabric)
I passed a needle through the fabric and sewed it.
- 針に餌をつけるto put bait on a fishhook
I put bait on the hook and cast it into the river.
- 針で刺されるto be stung by a stinger
I was stung by a bee's stinger and my arm swelled up.
- 時計の針が〈数〉を指すfor the clock's hand to point to (a time)
The clock's hand is pointing to three o'clock.
- ホッチキスの針を入れるto load staples into a stapler
The stapler ran out of staples, so I went to buy more.
- 〈事〉に針があるfor there to be a sting of malice in (words)
There was a sting of malice in his words.