Translation guide
The English word 'sting' can refer to a sharp pain from an insect or plant, a burning sensation, emotional hurt, or an undercover police operation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe being stung by an insect (bee, wasp) or pricked by a plant (nettle, thorn).
General verb for a sharp object piercing skin, used for insect stings, thorns, and needles. Transitive verb.
I got stung by a bee.
この植物は刺すから気をつけて。
This plant stings, so be careful.
Passive form, commonly used to describe being stung. Often more natural than active when the agent is unknown or obvious.
蚊に刺されて痒い。
I got bitten by a mosquito and it itches.
Noun meaning 'insect bite/sting'. Used for the resulting bump or irritation.
虫刺されがひどく腫れた。
The insect sting swelled up badly.
To describe a sudden sharp pain, like from a cut, burn, or chemical.
Onomatopoeic verb describing a stinging, smarting pain, often from a burn, scrape, or strong chemical.
日焼けで肌がひりひりする。
My skin stings from the sunburn.
消毒液が傷にしみてひりひりした。
The antiseptic stung on the wound.
Verb for a liquid or substance causing a stinging sensation on a wound or sensitive area. Intransitive.
目に汗が入ってしみる。
Sweat got in my eyes and it stings.
Onomatopoeic expression for a quick, sharp sting, like a mild electric shock or spicy food.
この化粧水はピリッとする。
This toner gives a slight stinging sensation.
To describe a sharp emotional pain caused by someone's words or actions.
Metaphorical phrase meaning 'to pierce the heart', used for words that sting emotionally.
彼の言葉が心を刺した。
His words stung my heart.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'to stick in one's chest', often used for poignant or hurtful remarks.
その批判が胸に刺さった。
That criticism really stung.
Adjective meaning 'biting, scathing, stinging' (of criticism, sarcasm).
痛烈な皮肉を言われた。
I was hit with a stinging sarcasm.
To refer to a deceptive operation by law enforcement to catch criminals.
Standard term for a sting operation, where police use decoys or undercover agents.
警察がおとり捜査で麻薬密売人を逮捕した。
The police arrested drug dealers in a sting operation.
Alternate kanji for the same term, less common but still used.
In English, mosquitoes 'bite', but in Japanese, mosquitoes are said to 刺す (sasu) because they pierce the skin. 噛む (kamu) is used for chewing or biting with teeth, like a dog bite.
The katakana loanword スティング is only used for the musician Sting or the movie 'The Sting'. It is not used for the physical sensation or police operation.
囮捜査が行われた。
A sting operation was carried out.