How to say "prick" in Japanese

• 突くつくJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers prick as a quick jab or poke with a pointed tip, as when you prick a small hole. The nuance is the jabbing thrust itself; the same verb also serves for stab.
  針はりで親指おやゆびを突ついてしまった。↗

  I pricked my thumb with a needle.
• 刺すさすJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe all-purpose transitive verb for driving a sharp point in, covering prick, pierce, stab, and stick. Pricking a finger with a needle is the classic case; for a deliberate prick this is usually the word.
  アリスは頭あたまに花はなをさしています。↗

  Alice has a flower in her hair.
• 刺さるささるJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbThe intransitive counterpart: a sharp point sticks into something and may get stuck there. Use it when a needle or thorn pricks you — Japanese makes the sharp object the subject.
  釘くぎが車くるまのタイヤに刺ささった。↗

  A nail punctured the tire.

Use 「刺す」 for the general act of driving a sharp point in, 「突く」 when the emphasis is on the quick jab or poke itself, and 「刺さる」 when a sharp point sticks into something and pricks you from there.

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

• 突くつくto prick
• 刺すさすto pierce
• 刺さるささるto stick into (of something with a sharp point)
• 刺し傷さしきずstab wound
• 咎めるとがめるto prick (one's conscience)