針
hari[ha̠ɾʲi]
In Japanese, the word for stinger is 針 (hari). If unsure, use 針. Wiktionary also lists 毒針 (dokubari).
Meaning: pointed portion of an insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 針 | hari | [ha̠ɾʲi] (narrow) |
| 毒針 | dokubari | [do̞kɯ̟ba̠ɾʲi] (narrow) |
The term refers to the pointed portion of an insect. Depending on the context, you may use 針 to refer to a general needle or stinger or 毒針 when specifically discussing a venomous stinger.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 毒針 is a compound of 毒, meaning poison and 針, meaning needle or stinger.
Which one should you use?
While 針 can mean any needle or stinger, 毒針 specifically emphasizes the venomous nature of the stinger.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of an insect possessing a stinger, you can use the phrase 毒針を持つ (to have a stinger).
How do you pronounce it?
hari
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 針 is used to describe the hands of a clock, treating them as if they are needles.
- When the compound 毒針 is spoken, the word for stinger undergoes a phonetic shift called 'rendaku', changing the sound from 'hari' to 'bari'.
- The word 針 serves a double purpose in medicine, referring both to a stinger and to the needles used in traditional acupuncture.
Examples in context
- 蜂の針に注意してください。hachi no hari ni chuui shite kudasai.Please be careful of the bee's stinger.
- その虫には鋭い針があります。sono mushi ni wa surudoi hari ga arimasu.That insect has a sharp stinger.
- 針が刺さらないように気をつけて。hari ga sasaranai you ni ki o tsukete.Be careful so the stinger doesn't prick you.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are looking at a bee in the garden.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、その蜂に近づかないで。Himari, sono hachi ni chikazukanaide.Himari, don't get close to that bee.
- 陽葵 Himariどうして？可愛くない？Doushite? Kawaikunai?Why? Isn't it cute?
- 大翔 Hiroto針で刺されると危ないよ。Hari de sasareru to abunai yo.It's dangerous if you get stung by its stinger.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった。離れて見るね。Wakatta. Hanarete miru ne.I understand. I'll watch it from a distance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stinger” translations and entries 針, 毒針, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 毒針, 針, CC BY-SA 4.0.
