How to say "biting" in Japanese

• 人食いひとくいCommon
  nounRefers literally to biting and eating people, as in cannibalism. This is rarely the word you want for 'biting' in general; use it only when the sense is actually devouring human flesh.
• ちくりCommon
  adverb (with と)An onomatopoeic word for a small prick or sting, such as a needle or insect bite. It covers 'biting' only in this brief, stinging physical sense.
• えぐいCommon
  i-adjectiveA colloquial word, usually written in kana, describing sharp, harsh language or questions. It matches 'biting' in the figurative sense of remarks that cut close to the bone.
• 鋭いするどいJLPT N3approx.Common
  i-adjectiveDescribes sharpness in pain, tone, or remarks; a cutting criticism or acute observation. It suits 'biting' when you mean incisive, penetrating words or a stabbing quality.
  ここに鋭するどい痛いたみがあります。↗

  I have a sharp pain here.

'Biting' can mean physical biting, an insect sting or prick, or harsh words; choose based on whether you mean eating flesh, a sharp stinging sensation, or cutting language.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 人食いひとくいcannibalism
• ちくりprickling
• がじがじbiting
• 凛冽りんれつbiting (cold)
• 辛辣しんらつbitter (e.g. criticism)
• ぴりっとくるpungent
• 身を切るようみをきるようpiercing (cold)
• ちくりちくりprickling
• とげとげしいsharp (words)
• えぐいsharp (language, question, etc.)
• 鋭いするどいsharp (pain, tone, etc.)
• 凛々りんりんbiting
• ぐさぐさ(words) cutting to the heart