1.
to strike a chord; to resonate deeply; to pierce one's heart
For words, a message, or an experience to make a strong emotional impact that stays with someone. The image is of something sticking into the heart like a thorn or arrow.
心に刺さる言葉。
Words that strike a chord.
先生の一言が心に刺さった。
A single remark from my teacher pierced my heart.
この映画のラストシーンは多くの人の心に刺さるだろう。
The final scene of this film will probably resonate deeply with many people.
A vivid metaphorical expression where the heart (心) is the target and the words or experience "stick" (刺さる — to pierce, to be embedded) like a thorn or arrow. Very popular in modern Japanese, especially on social media and in reviews.
USAGE:
Can be positive (deeply moving, inspirational) or negative (painfully cutting). Context determines which. The expression is relatively new in its widespread popularity and is especially common among younger speakers and in online discourse. 胸に刺さる (to pierce one's chest) is a close variant.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 心に刺さる言葉 — words that hit home
- 心に刺さる名言 — a quote that resonates
- 心に刺さるメッセージ — a message that strikes a chord
- 深く心に刺さる — to resonate deeply
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 胸に響く — to resonate in one's heart (warmer, more musical image)
- 心に響く — to resonate with one's heart (similar; gentler than 刺さる)
- 胸に刺さる — to pierce one's chest (nearly identical expression using 胸)