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What is the Kanji for 'Needle'? | 針

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Needle', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Needle' is 針.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Needle

    Reading

    kunyomiはり

    hari

    onyomiしん

    shin

    Parts

    Gold (金)Ten

    Example Word

    針: hand or needle. The Japanese noun '針 (はり)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'needle', referring to a thin, pointed object used for sewing or medical purposes. For example: She sewed with a needle「彼女は針で縫った」(かのじょははりでぬった). The second meaning is 'hand', specifically the hour or minute hand of a clock. For example: The clock's minute hand is broken「時計の針が壊れている」(とけいのはりがこわれている). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended, as the usage differs significantly between the two.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1138

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    radical

    Meaning

    Gold

    Radical Form Of

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ten

Words Using

This kanji is used in 2 words:

    word

    方針

    Meaning

    Policy

    word

    Meaning

    Hand, Needle

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 22 kanji contain the part 釒 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Silver

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ore, Mineral

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mirror

    kanji

    Meaning

    Copper

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fish, Fishing

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sharp

    kanji

    Meaning

    Steel

    kanji

    Meaning

    Chain

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lead

    kanji

    Meaning

    Confused, Mixed up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gun

    kanji

    Meaning

    Forge, Train

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lock, Tablet

    kanji

    Meaning

    Consider, Model

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bell

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bowl

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cast, Casting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Money, Coin

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brocade

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sickle, Scythe

    kanji

    Meaning

    To tie, Confinement

    kanji

    Meaning

    Key

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 31 kanji contain the part 十 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Thousand

    kanji

    Meaning

    Early, Fast

    kanji

    Meaning

    Tree, Wood

    kanji

    Meaning

    Soil

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rice field

    kanji

    Meaning

    Measure, Plan

    kanji

    Meaning

    Straight, Repair

    kanji

    Meaning

    Old

    kanji

    Meaning

    South

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cow

    kanji

    Meaning

    Noon

    kanji

    Meaning

    Branch, Support

    kanji

    Meaning

    Truth

    kanji

    Meaning

    Simple, Single

    kanji

    Meaning

    Graduate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hard, Spicy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cooperate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reason

    kanji

    Meaning

    Command, Proportion

    kanji

    Meaning

    Follow, Semi

    kanji

    Meaning

    Listen

    kanji

    Meaning

    Virtue

    kanji

    Meaning

    Extensive, Doctor

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shield

    kanji

    Meaning

    Demolition, Break down

    kanji

    Meaning

    Search, Rope

    kanji

    Meaning

    Juice, Soup

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bosom, Pocket

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mean, Lowly

    kanji

    Meaning

    Umbrella, Parasol

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sho, Measuring box

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 針 mean?

針 means 'Needle'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Sixth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.