126
刺
Stab, Prick, Pierce
さ.す, さ.さる, さ.し
JLPT N2
Interesting Fact
The word 刺身 (sashimi), literally meaning 'pierced body,' refers to sliced raw fish. Originally, a fish's fin was pierced into the slices to identify the type of fish being served.
Memory Trick
Imagine accidentally pricking your finger on a rose thorn. That sharp piercing feeling helps you remember 刺 means 'to stab' or 'to prick.'
Readings
Onyomi: シ (shi)
Kunyomi: さ.す, さ.さる, さ.し
Example Words
刺す
さす (sasu)
To stab
刺身
さしみ (sashimi)
Sashimi
名刺
めいし (meishi)
Business card
刺さる
ささる (sasaru)
To stick into
Example Sentence
指 に とげ が 刺さりました。
ゆび に とげ が ささりました。
yubi ni toge ga sasarimashita
A thorn got stuck in my finger.