刺す To Stab

Meaning

Primary

To Stab

Alternatives

To Pierce, To Sting

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb.

The kanji itself means stab so the verb vocab version is to stab.

This is a transitive verb, meaning that you are the one doing the stabbing... should I be afraid of you? 😅

Reading

さす

Explanation

The reading you learned for this kanji is the kun'yomi one. Since this vocab word is made up of a single kanji, it uses the kun'yomi reading. Guess what? That means you already know it!

But in case you've already forgot the reading, here's a mnemonic to refresh your memory:

If you're going to stab someone, use a saw (さ). It may seem more difficult to stab them with a saw at first, but when you see the damage, plus how hard it is to get back out, you'll realize saws are the ideal stabbing tool.

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 〜で刺す

  フォークで刺す

  to spear with a fork

  ハリで刺す

  to prick with a needle

  ナイフで刺す

  to stab with a knife

• 〜に + Passive Form

  スズメバチに刺される

  to be stung by a hornet

  クラゲに刺される

  to be stung by a jellyfish

  虫に刺される

  to be stung by an insect

• 〜に刺す

  クシに刺す

  to stick on a skewer

• 〜を刺す

  胸を刺す

  to stab in the chest

  トドメを刺す

  to deliver the final blow

  人を刺す

  to stab a person

  ピンを刺す

  to stick with a pin

  ハリを刺す

  to stick with a needle

Context Sentences

え、このフルーツをクシに刺すんですか？

Oh, are we going to be sticking these fruits on skewers?

黒いスズメバチに刺されたことがあります。

I've been stung by a black hornet before.

フォークでハエにトドメを刺しました。

I finished off a fly with a fork.

Kanji Composition

1. 刺

   さ Stab