針

needle, pin

針 is composed of 金 (metal) and 十 (ten). In the decimal system, 十 marks the end of a stage and carries the meanings of completeness, gathering, and concentration. Therefore, 針 is used to represent a small tool, usually made of metal, that concentrates force at its tip and can be used to pierce things.

Vocabulary of 針

  • 針灸 (acupuncture and moxibustion)
  • 針對 (against)
  • 打針 (give an injection)

Related Characters: