針・鉤・鈎|はりhari[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounneedle; pin
   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.
2. nounhook
   変へんな魚さかなが針はりにかかっている。↗

   A strange fish is on the hook.
3. nounstinger; thorn
4. nounhand (e.g. clock, etc.); pointer
   彼女かのじょは時計とけいの針はりを１０分ふん進すすませた。↗

   She advanced the hand ten minutes.
5. nounstaple (for a stapler)
6. nounneedlework; sewing
7. nounmalice
8. counter, noun (suffix)counter for stitches
   怪我けが自体じたいはなん針はりか縫ぬう程度ていどだそうです。↗

   Apparently the wound itself only needs a few stitches.

• Synonym指針ししんNeutralThe pointer of a gauge or meter, also figuratively a guideline, as in 「行動の指針」; 針 is the physical object, such as a sewing needle.
• SynonymニードルNeutralLoanword for needle, used mainly in medical and craft specialties, e.g. 「ニードルフェルト」; 針 is the everyday word.
• RelatedフックNeutralLoanword for a hook, or a hook punch in boxing; it matches 針 only in the hook sense, i.e. when 針 is written 「鉤」.
• Related留め金とめがねNeutralA metal fitting such as a clasp, latch or catch for fastening things together; it is not a pointed needle.
• Related爪つめNeutralNail or claw, and also the claw-shaped part of a hook; it is close to 針 only in being sharp or hook-shaped.
• Related引っ掛けひっかけNeutralCan mean a hook, but more often a trap or trick question, as in 「引っ掛け問題」.

Use 「針」 for sewing needles, injection needles, clock hands and the like. In specialist settings say 「ニードル」; for hooks say 「フック」; for gauge pointers or guiding principles say 「指針」.

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

1. （はり）糸いとで布ぬのを縫ぬうのに使つかう、細ほそいとがった(金属製きんぞくせいの)棒状ぼうじょうの道具どうぐ。また、そのように細ほそくてとがったもの。