Translation and Meaning of: 刺 - toge

The Japanese word 刺 (とげ) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses worth exploring. Whether you are a Japanese language student or just someone curious about the language, understanding this word goes beyond its literal translation. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, origin, and applications of 刺, as well as how it is perceived in Japanese culture.

Found in contexts ranging from nature to metaphorical expressions, 刺 is a versatile term. Here, you will discover not only its definition but also practical tips for memorizing it and using it correctly. Shall we get started?

Meaning and origin of 刺 (とげ)

The word 刺 (とげ) literally means "thorn" in Japanese. It is used to describe those small pointed structures found on plants like roses or cacti. The kanji 刺, in turn, is composed of the radical 刂 (right side, which represents a knife) combined with 朿, suggesting something that pierces or harms.

In addition to its concrete meaning, 刺 can also take on a more abstract significance. In certain contexts, it represents something that "pierces" emotionally, like sharp words or uncomfortable situations. This duality between the physical and the emotional makes the word particularly rich in expressiveness.

Everyday use and practical examples

In daily life, Japanese people use 刺 to refer to natural thorns, but also in expressions like 刺のある言葉 (とげのあることば), which means "thorny words" – that is, cutting or sarcastic remarks. This metaphor is quite common and helps illustrate how the Japanese language associates physical characteristics with human behaviors.

Another interesting use appears in combinations like 毒刺 (どくとげ), which means "venomous sting." Here, the word takes on a more intense tone, often appearing in descriptions of insects or dangerous situations. It can be observed, therefore, that 刺 is not limited to harmless objects, but also to those that can cause harm.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 刺 is to associate its kanji with something that "pierces." The radical 刂, which resembles a blade, reinforces this idea. Additionally, the reading とげ has a short and impactful sound, almost like the effect of a thorn digging into the skin – a phonetic connection that can aid in memorization.

Interestingly, 刺 also appears in less obvious terms, such as 刺身 (さしみ), the famous dish of raw fish. Originally, this word referred to the preparation method, where the fish was "pierced" to be sliced. Although today the meaning has diverged from this origin, it is fascinating to see how the same word can evolve in different contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 刺す (sasu) - Piercing, to wound with a pointed object; it can also mean "prick".
• 刺し (sashi) - Form of the verb 刺す, used in compositions or expressions, generally related to the action of piercing.
• 刺繍 (shishū) - Embroidery; the art of decorating fabrics with threads and needles.
• 刺激 (shigeki) - Stimulation, irritation, or incitement, involving a reaction to stimuli.
• 刺身 (sashimi) - Japanese dish of raw fish sliced thinly.

刺

Romaji: toge
Kana: とげ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: thorn; splinter; spine; cutting words

Meaning in English: thorn;splinter;spine;biting words

Definition: To pierce.

Example Sentences - (刺) toge

See below some example sentences:

連想は創造力を刺激する。

Rensō wa sōzōryoku o shigeki suru

The association stimulates creativity.

The association stimulates creativity.

• 連想 - means "association" or "connection".
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "association".
• 創造力 - It means "creativity".
• を - Direct object pronoun that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "creativity".
• 刺激する - It means "to stimulate". It is a verb composed of 刺激 (stimulus) and する (to do).

刺繍は美しいです。

Shishuu wa utsukushii desu

Embroidery is beautiful.

• 刺繍 - embroidery
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• です - verb to be in the polite form

刺激が欲しい。

Shigeki ga hoshii

I want stimulation/excitement.

I want a boost.

• 刺激 (shigeki) - stimulus, excitement
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 欲しい (hoshii) - to want, to desire

刺身が大好きです。

Sashimi ga daisuki desu

I love sashimi.

• 刺身 - sashimi, thin slices of raw fish
• が - subject particle
• 大好き - loves, loves very much
• です - Verb ser/estar in the formal present tense

刺身は美味しいです。

Sashimi wa oishii desu

Sashimi is delicious.

• 刺身 - sashimi, raw slices of fish or seafood
• は - Topic particle
• 美味しい - Delicious, tasty
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating affirmation or politeness

名刺を交換しましょう。

Meishi wo koukan shimashou

Let's exchange business cards.

• 名刺 (meishi) - Business Card
• を (wo) - object particle
• 交換 (koukan) - exchange, exchange
• しましょう (shimashou) - expression to suggest or invite someone to do something

彼はナイフで私を刺した。

Kare wa naifu de watashi o sashita

He stabbed me with a knife.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• ナイフ (naifu) - Knife
• で (de) - Instrument particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 刺した (sashita) - Pierced, stabbed (past tense of the verb 刺す - sasu)

煙る空気が私たちの目を刺激する。

Kemuru kuuki ga watashitachi no me wo shigeki suru

The smoky air stimulates our eyes.

• 煙る (kemuru) - verb that means "to be smoking, to be fogging"
• 空気 (kuuki) - noun that means "air"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 私たち (watashitachi) - pronoun that means "we"
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 目 (me) - noun that means "eyes"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 刺激する (shigeki suru) - verb that means "to stimulate, to irritate"

私の指にとげが刺さった。

Watashi no yubi ni toge ga sasatta

A thorn was stuck in my finger.

The throat arrested on my finger.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 指 (yubi) - It means "finger" in Japanese.
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or direction
• とげ (toge) - It means "thorn" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 刺さった (sasatta) - The verb "sasaru" in the past, meaning "to pierce" or "to sting"