Mnemonic
A gold cross sits atop a cathedral steeple, but from far away it looks like a giant needle piercing the sky. Up close, you see the cross is the flat top you grip, and the gold body tapers to a razor-sharp point. Every needle is just a tiny gold cross stretched thin.
Additional thoughts
Visualize holding a sewing needle upright — the eye and top resemble a small cross, while the body is a slender gold shaft. The cross is where your fingers pinch; the gold is the gleaming metal tapering to the tip.Quick recall
A gold cross stretched thin becomes a gleaming needle piercing the sky.Details
The keyword for 針 is needle. This kanji refers to a thin, pointed instrument used for sewing, acupuncture, or similar purposes. It can also extend metaphorically to mean the hand of a clock or compass, as these resemble the shape of a needle. The concept encompasses anything slender and pointed that serves to pierce, indicate, or guide.
- On'yomi
- しん
- Kun'yomi
- はり