Explore 針 in everyday objects and compounds. Connect each reading with a whole word.

The idea

針 has 10 strokes; follow the linked stroke-order diagram. 針 is はり when it means a needle; 時計の針 is a clock hand. In compounds such as 短針 and 方針, it is read しん.

Patterns to compare
WordReadingExample
針はりThe needle is in the box.
短針たんしんThe short hand points to three.
方位磁針ほういじしんI checked the direction with a compass.
方針ほうしんThe company announced a new policy.

Examples

  • 針はりは箱はこの中なかにあります。The needle is in the box.
  • 針はりに糸いとを通とおしました。I threaded the needle.
  • 時計とけいの針はりが十二じゅうにを指さしています。The clock hand is pointing at twelve.
  • 短針たんしんは三さんを指さしています。The short hand points to three.
  • 方位磁針ほういじしんで方向ほうこうを確たしかめました。I checked the direction with a compass.
  • 会社かいしゃは新あたらしい方針ほうしんを発表はっぴょうしました。The company announced a new policy.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

A clock hand is called 針, but 方針 means a guiding policy, not a physical needle. Learn each compound with its context.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 針 in hiragana.

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    はり

    針 is はり: the needle is in the box.

  2. Write the reading of 短針 in hiragana.

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    たんしん

    短針 is たんしん: it is the short hand of a clock.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: 方＿（ほうしん）［針／金］.

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    針

    針 completes 方針（ほうしん）, a guiding policy.

Use it today

Write 針 using the diagram, then cover the table and read 針, 短針 and 方針 aloud. Make a sentence with one.