Quick answer
針 is the kanji for "Needle". It is a JLPT N2 kanji. The main reading is はり (hari). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Needle
Also : Pin · Staple · Stinger
Learn 針 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 針 represents 'NEEDLE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of needle.
On-reading: しん — remember this sound by associating it with needle. Kun-reading: はり.
Example Sentences
時計の針が止まっています。
とけいのはりがとまっています。
The clock hands have stopped.
新しい状況に対応するために、方針を大幅に変更することが決まりました。
あたらしいじょうきょうにたいおうするために、ほうしんをおおはばにへんこうすることがきまりました。
It was decided to significantly change the policy in order to adapt to the new situation.
Vocabulary using 針
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 Jul 4, 2026
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