KanjiSchool
刺
“Thorn / Pierce / Stab / Prick” in Japanese is 刺, read shi, sa, sashi (し, さ, さし, とげ). It is a Jōyō kanji taught in Japanese secondary school (junior & senior high) — the 高手 · Master tier beyond the grade 1–6 Kyōiku set, and appears in words such as 刺激 (stimulation).
Try it now
What does 刺 mean?
Learn all 1,018 kanji with spaced-repetition review — free. Start free →
Unlock guided stroke order, scoring and daily streaks. Start free →
Full details, readings & example
| Kanji | 刺 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Thorn / Pierce / Stab / Prick |
| Readings | し, さ, さし, とげ |
| Grade | Master (高手 · secondary school) |
| Curriculum | Jōyō kanji · Japanese secondary school (JLPT N1–N2) |
| Example | 刺激 (stimulation) |
How to read 刺
刺 is read shi (し) or sa (さ) or sashi (さし) or toge (とげ) depending on the word.
Words with 刺
- 刺激
Learn 刺 in real sentences — free
Read stories and news built from only the kanji you already know. KanjiSchool’s path covers all 2,136 Jōyō kanji — 1,018 ready to learn now.
Start free — no credit card →
Kanji read the same way as 刺
Same sound, different character — the classic trap. Compare them side by side:
Updated: 2026-08-28