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What is the Kanji for 'Stab'? | 刺

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Stab' is 刺.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Stab

    Reading

    kunyomi

    sa

    onyomi

    shi

    Parts

    Sword (刀)

    Example Word

    刺さる: pierce. The Japanese verb '刺さる (ささる)' means 'to pierce' or 'to be stuck into something'. It describes the action of something sharp penetrating or embedding itself into another object or surface. This verb is often used in contexts where an object, such as a needle, thorn, or splinter, becomes embedded in something else. For example: A thorn pierced my finger「とげが指に刺さった」(とげがゆびにささった). The arrow pierced the target「矢が的に刺さった」(やがまとにささった). Note that '刺さる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it focuses on the state of being pierced rather than the action of piercing itself. The transitive counterpart is '刺す (さす)', which means 'to pierce' or 'to stab'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    880

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

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

    component

    radical

    Meaning

    Sword

    Radical Form Of

Words Using

This kanji is used in 5 words:

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 26 kanji contain the part 刂 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Before, Front

    kanji

    Meaning

    Return

    kanji

    Meaning

    Profit, Advantage

    kanji

    Meaning

    Separate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reach, Arrival

    kanji

    Meaning

    System, Control

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rule

    kanji

    Meaning

    Divide, Split

    kanji

    Meaning

    Judge, Stamp

    kanji

    Meaning

    File

    kanji

    Meaning

    Secondary

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sword

    kanji

    Meaning

    Printing

    kanji

    Meaning

    Publish, Edition

    kanji

    Meaning

    Engrave

    kanji

    Meaning

    Drama

    kanji

    Meaning

    Create

    kanji

    Meaning

    Punish

    kanji

    Meaning

    Plane, Cut by chipping

    kanji

    Meaning

    Surplus

    kanji

    Meaning

    Group, Squad

    kanji

    Meaning

    Divide, Cut up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Medicine, Dose

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reap, Clip

    kanji

    Meaning

    Strength, Sturdy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Temple

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 刺 mean?

刺 means 'Stab'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior Highschool, 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.