stab · thorn

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 刺 has eight strokes and uses the on-reading し and kun-readings such as さす and ささる.
• Basic usage: It describes piercing or becoming lodged, and words striking someone deeply.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Piercing and becoming lodged
  • 刺す(さす) describes piercing cloth with a needle or a bee stinging. 刺さる(ささる) describes something such as a thorn becoming lodged in a finger.
  • When words 刺さる emotionally, the expression is figurative, describing a strong impression or emotional impact.
• Reading business card
  • 名刺(めいし) means a business card exchanged on meeting someone.