The Meaning of sasaru [刺さる] In Japanese

刺さる
ささる
Romaji: sasaru N5

What does 刺さる mean?

Translation and Meaning

to be pierced, to be stuck into; to pierce; to strike or be memorable (an idea or phrase)

Definition

刺さる means to be pierced or lodged into something, or to strike a strong impression on someone; it is used both for literal penetration and for ideas or words that resonate or stick in the mind.

Type

verb (五段動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Physical penetration or lodging into a surface or body by a pointed object
  • Figurative impact: ideas, words, or experiences that strike, resonate, or leave a strong impression
  • Memorability: something that sticks in memory or consciousness

Composition

  • 刺: stab, pierce; core sense of penetration
  • る: verb ending indicating the dictionary form of an intransitive godan verb

Usage

Used in casual and neutral contexts; physically, it describes a pointed object penetrating or sticking into flesh or a surface; figuratively, it describes something that resonates, hits home, or leaves a lasting impression, often in expressions like 心に刺さる; the verb is intransitive, with the affected thing as the subject and the instrument or cause as the implicit agent.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a sharp刺 (knife/needle) sticking into your finger; the rhythm of sasaru echoes the action of sticking, helping link the kanji meaning to the verb form and its sense of something piercing or sticking in.

Variations

  • 心に刺さる (kokoro ni sasaru) — resonates with the heart; romaji kokoro ni sasaru
  • 心に響く (kokoro ni hibiku) — to resonate; romaji kokoro ni hibiku
  • 針が刺さる (hari ga sasaru) — the needle sticks; romaji hari ga sasaru
刺さる