1.
to hit home; to strike a chord; to pierce one's heart
Describes words, messages, or experiences that deeply affect someone emotionally — either positively (moving, inspiring) or negatively (painfully true, hurtful).
その言葉が胸に刺さった。
Those words really hit home.
先生の話は胸に刺さるものがあった。
There was something deeply moving about the teacher's words.
あの映画のラストシーンのセリフが胸に刺さって、涙が止まらなかった。
The last line in that movie struck such a chord that I couldn't stop crying.
An expressive metaphor describing words or experiences that deeply affect someone. The image is of something piercing the chest (heart). Can be used for both positive and negative emotional impact.
USAGE:
When positive: describes words that are deeply moving, inspiring, or resonant. When negative: describes words that are painfully true or hurtful. Context determines the nuance. Very commonly used in book and movie reviews, speeches, and personal reflections.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 言葉が胸に刺さる: words hit home
- 胸に刺さるものがある: there's something that resonates deeply
- 胸に刺さる名言: a quote that strikes a chord
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 心に響く: to resonate with one's heart — more clearly positive; emphasizes emotional resonance
- 胸が痛む: one's heart aches — focuses on emotional pain or sympathy
- 耳が痛い: it hurts to hear — describes hearing something unpleasantly true about oneself