To Stab, To Pierce, To Sting
transitive verb, godan verb
Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means stab so the verb vocab version is to stab. This is a transitive verb, meaning that you are the one doing the stabbing... should I be afraid of you? 😅
さす
The reading you learned for this kanji is the kun'yomi one. Since this vocab word is made up of a single kanji, it uses the kun'yomi reading. Guess what? That means you already know it! But in case you've already forgot the reading, here's a mnemonic to refresh your memory: If you're going to stab someone, use a saw (さ). It may seem more difficult to stab them with a saw at first, but when you see the damage, plus how hard it is to get back out, you'll realize saws are the ideal stabbing tool.
え、このフルーツをクシに刺すんですか？
Oh, are we going to be sticking these fruits on skewers?
黒いスズメバチに刺されたことがあります。
I've been stung by a black hornet before.
フォークでハエにトドメを刺しました。
I finished off a fly with a fork.