This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

磁石の針は北を指す。

Sentence Analyzer

磁石 指す

English Translation

Compass needles point to the north.

Furigana

磁石(じしゃく)(はり)(きた)()す。

Romanji

Jishaku no hari wa kita o sasu.

Words

磁石 (じしゃく、じせき)
magnet; compass
()
indicates possessive; nominalizes verbs and adjectives; substitutes for "ga" in subordinate phrases; (at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusion; (at sentence-end) indicates emotional emphasis; (at sentence-end, rising tone) indicates question
(はり、ち)
needle; pin; hook; stinger; thorn; hand (e.g. clock, etc.); pointer; staple (for a stapler); needlework; sewing; malice; counter for stitches
()
topic marker particle; indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated); adds emphasis
(きた)
north; the North; northern territories; North Korea; north wind
()
indicates direct object of action; indicates subject of causative expression; indicates an area traversed; indicates time (period) over which action takes place; indicates point of departure or separation of action; indicates object of desire, like, hate, etc.
指す (さす)
to point; to nominate; to select someone; to specify some person; to identify; to indicate; to point out; to play; to extend one's arm straight ahead (in dance)

Kanji

Reading: 
Meanings: magnet, porcelain
Readings: セキ、 シャク、 コク、 いし
Meaning: stone
Readings: シン、 はり
Meanings: needle, pin, staple, stinger
Readings: ホク、 きた
Meaning: north
Readings: シ、 ゆび、 さ.す、 -さ.し
Meanings: finger, point to, indicate, put into, play (chess), measure (ruler)