I thread a needle.
The pin of the safety pin got bent.
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.
I passed a needle through the fabric and sewed it.
I put bait on the hook and cast it into the river.
I was stung by a bee's stinger and my arm swelled up.
The clock's hand is pointing to three o'clock.
The stapler ran out of staples, so I went to buy more.
There was a sting of malice in his words.
針 is the general word for a needle or hand (e.g. of a clock), while 指針 specifically denotes the pointer on a measuring instrument like a compass or gauge.
鍼 specifically denotes the fine needle used in acupuncture, while 針 is the general word for any needle, pin, or pointed instrument.
ホッチキス is the stapler machine itself, whereas 針 refers to the staple that the stapler drives into paper.
棘 is a natural sharp point that grows from a plant or animal, while 針 is a man‑made needle or pin used for sewing or injecting.
book; volume; script · this; present; current; in question · main; head; principal · real; genuine; regular; proper · counter for long cylindrical objects; counter for films, TV shows, etc.; counter for goals, home runs, etc.; counter for telephone calls
knitting needle
heated acupuncture needle; hot acupuncture needle
tatami needle
stone needle (Chinese acupuncture)
blind stitch needle; quilting needle
silk needle; needle for silkwork
netting needle
fishing fly