Quick answer
刺 is the kanji for "Stab". Its reading is さ.す (sasu). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Stab
Also : Pierce · Prick · Sting · Thorn · Calling card
Learn 刺 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 刺 represents 'THORN'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of thorn.
On-reading: し — remember this sound by associating it with thorn. Kun-reading: さ.す.
Example Sentences
名刺交換は日本のビジネスにおいて重要なマナーです。
めいしこうかんはにほんのびじねすにおいてじゅうようなまなーです。
Exchanging business cards is an important manner in Japanese business.
刺激的なアイデアが議論を盛り上げました。
しげきてきなあいであがぎろんをもりあげました。
Stimulating ideas enlivened the discussion.
Vocabulary using 刺
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い~に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ~をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて~に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて~にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り~に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Learn 刺 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.