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B1 Noun (plural) / Verb (3rd person singular) #48 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

stings

Top 48

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Erklärung stings in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'stings' is usually introduced as a verb describing what a bee does. You might learn that 'A bee stings.' It is a simple action word associated with insects and basic pain. You don't need to know the complex meanings yet. Just remember: one bee stings, many bees sting. It is a word you might use when talking about nature or a small accident you had while playing outside. The focus is on the physical action of the insect.

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'stings' as a plural noun too. You can say, 'I have two bee stings.' You also learn to use it for other simple physical sensations, like when soap or salt gets in your eyes. 'The soap stings my eyes.' You are beginning to use the word to describe common, everyday discomforts. You might also encounter it in simple stories about animals or trips to the beach where jellyfish might be present.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with both the noun and verb forms. You start to use 'stings' metaphorically. For example, 'His words sting' or 'The loss stings.' This shows you understand that pain can be emotional as well as physical. You might also hear about 'police stings' in the news. You can use the word to describe a variety of sharp pains, and you understand the difference between a 'sting' and a 'bite.' You are also learning the irregular past tense 'stung.'

At the B2 level, you use 'stings' in more complex sentences and varied contexts. You might discuss 'sting operations' in a debate about law enforcement or use 'stings' to describe the biting social commentary in a book. You understand the nuance of the word—how it implies a sharp, sudden, and often surprising pain. You can use it fluently in writing to add descriptive detail, such as 'The stinging wind of the Antarctic.' You are aware of common idioms involving the word.

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At the C1 level, you recognize the subtle connotations of 'stings.' You might use it to describe the 'stings of conscience' or the 'stings of mortality' in a literary analysis. You understand how the word can be used to create a specific atmosphere in a piece of writing. You are familiar with technical uses in biology or law and can use the word with precision. You might also notice how the word is used in sophisticated wordplay or irony in high-level English media.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'stings.' You can use it in all its forms—noun, verb, and metaphor—with native-like ease. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You can use it in highly formal academic writing or in very informal slang. You appreciate the word's ability to convey a sharp, piercing reality, whether physical, emotional, or structural (like a legal trap). You can use it to evoke complex imagery in creative writing.

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Stings is the 3rd person singular verb for causing sharp pain or the plural noun for insect wounds and police traps.
It describes physical sensations like bee pricks, emotional hurts like rejection, and legal operations to catch criminals.
Commonly used in medical, nature, and law enforcement contexts, it implies a sudden and localized sharp distress.
The past tense of the verb is 'stung,' and it is often used metaphorically for things that 'bite' or 'hurt' one's feelings.

The word stings is a versatile English term that functions as both a plural noun and the third-person singular form of the verb 'to sting.' At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical sensation of sharp, localized pain, typically resulting from a puncture or chemical irritation. When you encounter this word in a biological context, it often refers to the defensive mechanism of insects like bees, wasps, or scorpions. However, its utility extends far beyond the natural world, permeating emotional, social, and even legal discourses. Understanding the nuance of 'stings' requires looking at the context: is it a physical wound, a biting remark, or a complex police operation? In everyday conversation, people use 'stings' to describe anything from the uncomfortable sensation of soap in the eyes to the lingering pain of a failed relationship. It is a word that carries an inherent sense of suddenness and intensity.

Physical Sensation: The sharp, burning pain caused by a needle, an insect, or a chemical substance like alcohol on an open wound.
Emotional Impact: The psychological hurt caused by a cruel comment, a rejection, or a disappointing realization that 'bites' into one's pride.
Law Enforcement: A deceptive operation designed to catch a person committing a crime, often involving undercover agents.

The iodine stings when it touches the cut, but it helps prevent infection.

In the realm of biology, 'stings' refers to the actual wounds left by venomous creatures. For example, a person might suffer multiple bee stings after accidentally disturbing a hive. Here, the word is a plural noun. When used as a verb, as in 'The cold wind stings my face,' it personifies the environment, suggesting an active, painful interaction. This metaphorical usage is common in literature and poetry to evoke a visceral reaction from the reader. The word captures a specific type of pain—not a dull ache or a heavy throb, but a sharp, pointed, and often temporary distress. It is this specificity that makes 'stings' so effective in descriptive writing.

He still feels the stings of his past failures whenever he tries something new.

Furthermore, the term has a specialized meaning in criminology. A 'sting operation' is a trap set by police. While the plural 'stings' is less common in this specific noun sense than 'sting operations,' one might say, 'The department has carried out several successful stings this year.' This usage highlights the 'sharp' and 'surprising' nature of the arrest, mirroring the physical sensation of an insect's attack. The common thread across all these definitions is the element of a sharp, often unexpected, penetration—whether it be a needle, a word, or a legal trap.

The detective specialized in organized crime stings.

It stings to know that they didn't invite me to the party.

Wasp stings can be very dangerous for people with allergies.

Using 'stings' correctly involves identifying whether you are describing an action (verb) or a thing (noun). As a verb, 'stings' follows a subject that causes the pain. For instance, 'The smoke stings my eyes.' Here, 'smoke' is the singular subject, and 'stings' is the action it performs. As a noun, 'stings' is the plural form of the injury itself. 'She has three bee stings on her arm.' Notice how the word functions differently in these two examples. To master this word, one must also explore its metaphorical applications, which are incredibly frequent in both literature and daily speech.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always use 'stings' with singular subjects (he, she, it, the wind, the salt). Use 'sting' with plural subjects (they, the bees, the words).
Noun Usage: Use 'stings' when referring to more than one physical mark or more than one police operation.

The chlorine in the pool stings if you open your eyes underwater.

In a metaphorical sense, 'stings' describes the emotional reaction to negative stimuli. If a friend makes a joke at your expense, you might say, 'That really stings.' This implies that the joke had a sharp, hurtful quality. Similarly, 'The loss of the championship still stings' suggests a lingering, sharp disappointment. This usage is very common in sports commentary and personal reflections. It conveys a level of pain that is more acute than 'hurts' but perhaps less profound than 'devastates.'

Jellyfish stings are common during the summer months at this beach.

When discussing law enforcement, 'stings' usually appears in the context of investigative reporting. 'The police conducted several stings to catch the bike thieves.' In this sentence, 'stings' is a noun referring to the specific operations. It is important to note that 'sting' can also be used as a collective noun in some contexts, but 'stings' specifically emphasizes the multiple occurrences of these events. This pluralization is key when reporting on a series of related or unrelated undercover actions.

The betrayal stings more because it came from a close friend.

He applied ointment to the various stings on his legs.

The cold air stings your lungs when you run in the winter.

You will encounter 'stings' in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the dramatic. In a medical or first-aid setting, doctors and nurses frequently use the term to describe patient symptoms or injuries. 'How many stings did you receive?' or 'The antiseptic might sting for a moment.' In these contexts, the word is literal and clinical. It helps healthcare providers assess the severity of an insect bite or warn a patient about the discomfort of a treatment. Outside the clinic, you'll hear it in nature documentaries where narrators describe the defensive capabilities of various fauna.

News & Media: Headlines often use 'stings' to describe police operations: 'Local Police Conduct Drug Stings.'
Sports Commentary: Commentators use it to describe the emotional weight of a loss: 'That last-minute goal really stings for the home team.'

The news report detailed several undercover stings targeting online scammers.

In the world of fiction—movies, books, and television—'stings' is a favorite for adding emotional depth. A protagonist might suffer the 'stings of rejection' or the 'stings of a guilty conscience.' This metaphorical usage elevates the word from a simple physical description to a tool for character development. In crime dramas, the 'sting' is a classic plot device, often forming the climax of the story where the antagonist is finally outsmarted and captured. You might hear a detective say, 'We've set up several stings across the city to catch the syndicate.'

A bee stings only when it feels threatened.

In social settings, the word is used to express empathy or to describe a shared experience of minor pain. 'Watch out for the jellyfish; their stings are nasty today.' Or, in a more abstract sense, 'It stings when you realize you've been lied to.' This versatility makes 'stings' a staple of the English language, bridging the gap between physical reality and emotional experience. It is also found in technical manuals for pest control or safety guides for hikers, emphasizing the practical need to avoid or treat such injuries.

The sharp wind stings the skin of anyone brave enough to go outside.

The doctor asked if the patient had any history of severe reactions to insect stings.

The irony of the situation stings more than the actual defeat.

One of the most frequent errors with 'stings' involves subject-verb agreement. Because the word ends in 's,' learners often mistake it for a plural verb, when in fact, it is the singular form used with 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.' For example, saying 'The bees stings' is incorrect; it should be 'The bee stings' (singular subject) or 'The bees sting' (plural subject). This confusion is common because the noun form 'stings' is indeed plural. Distinguishing between the noun and the verb is the first step toward mastery. Another mistake is using 'stings' to describe a dull, aching pain. 'Stings' is reserved for sharp, biting, or burning sensations.

Incorrect Agreement: Mistake: 'My eyes stinged.' Correct: 'My eyes stung.' (The past tense is 'stung,' not 'stinged').
Confusing Noun/Verb: Mistake: 'He has a stings.' Correct: 'He has a sting' or 'He has stings.'

Incorrect: The cold sting my face. Correct: The cold stings my face.

Another area of confusion is the past tense. The verb 'to sting' is irregular. Its past tense and past participle form is 'stung.' Many learners mistakenly apply the regular '-ed' ending, resulting in 'stinged,' which is not a word in standard English. For example, 'The bee stung me yesterday' is correct, while 'The bee stinged me' is a common error. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'stings' with 'bites.' While both involve pain from an animal, a 'sting' usually involves a venomous apparatus (like a tail or a specialized organ), whereas a 'bite' involves teeth or mandibles.

The plural noun stings refers to the injuries, not the action in the past.

Finally, be careful with the word 'stinging.' While 'stings' is a verb or noun, 'stinging' is often used as an adjective (e.g., 'a stinging remark') or a gerund. Mixing these up can lead to awkward phrasing. For instance, 'The stings remark' is incorrect; it should be 'The stinging remark.' Understanding these grammatical distinctions ensures that your use of 'stings' is precise and natural. Always check the subject of your sentence to ensure the verb form matches correctly, and remember the irregular past tense 'stung' to avoid the most common pitfalls.

The medicine stings for a second, then the pain goes away.

Multiple stings can lead to a medical emergency.

That criticism stings because there is some truth to it.

While 'stings' is a very specific word, there are several alternatives that can be used depending on the context. If you are talking about physical pain, words like 'burns,' 'smarts,' or 'pricks' might be appropriate. 'Burns' suggests a heat-like sensation, often caused by chemicals or friction. 'Smarts' is a slightly more informal way to describe a sharp, localized pain that lingers. 'Pricks' usually refers to a very brief, sharp sensation, like that of a needle. Choosing the right word depends on the intensity and duration of the pain you are describing.

Stings vs. Bites: A 'sting' is usually from a venomous organ (tail/stinger), while a 'bite' is from the mouth. Bees sting; spiders bite.
Stings vs. Smarts: 'Stings' is the standard term; 'smarts' is more colloquial and often implies a sharp, stinging pain that continues for a short time.
Stings vs. Hurts: 'Hurts' is a general term for any pain; 'stings' specifies the sharp, biting quality of the pain.

The alcohol stings (or burns) when applied to the wound.

In emotional contexts, you might use 'hurts,' 'bites,' or 'wounds.' 'That comment really bites' is a common idiom that mirrors 'That comment really stings.' 'Wounds' is more formal and suggests a deeper, more lasting emotional injury. For example, 'The betrayal wounds his pride.' In the context of police work, alternatives to 'stings' include 'traps,' 'setups,' or 'undercover operations.' 'Sting' is the most common term in media for these types of arrests because of its punchy, evocative nature.

The rejection stings (or hurts) her feelings.

When describing the weather, 'stings' can be replaced by 'bites' or 'nips.' 'The frost nips at your ears' is a classic way to describe cold weather, similar to 'The cold stings your face.' Each of these words carries a slightly different connotation—'nip' is lighter, while 'sting' is more intense. By understanding these synonyms, you can choose the word that best fits the tone and intensity of your message. Whether you are writing a medical report, a crime novel, or a personal diary entry, having a range of alternatives allows for more precise and evocative language.

The police organized several stings (or operations) to catch the thieves.

The soap stings (or irritates) my eyes.

His sharp wit stings (or pricks) the ego of his rivals.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word has remained remarkably consistent in its core meaning for over a thousand years, though its metaphorical use for 'police operations' only emerged in the 20th century.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /stɪŋz/

US /stɪŋz/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Reimt sich auf

rings wings things kings sings brings clings springs

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the final 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.
Over-emphasizing the 'g' sound in the 'ng' cluster.
Making the 'i' sound too long, like 'steengs'.
Dropping the 't' in the 'st' cluster.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'stinks'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to read but requires context to distinguish noun from verb.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of irregular past tense 'stung' and subject-verb agreement.

Sprechen 3/5

Simple pronunciation, but 'ngz' cluster can be tricky for some.

Hören 3/5

Can be confused with 'stinks' or 'strings' in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

sting pain bee sharp hurt

Als Nächstes lernen

stung venom undercover metaphor antiseptic

Fortgeschritten

envenomation nociception subterfuge ostracization mordant

Wichtige Grammatik

Third-Person Singular -s

He stings (correct) vs He sting (incorrect).

Irregular Past Tense

The bee stung me (not stinged).

Plural Nouns

I have three stings (plural noun).

Metaphorical Extension

Using physical pain verbs for emotional states.

Zero Article with General Plurals

Bee stings are painful (general statement).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

A bee stings.

Une abeille pique.

Simple present tense, 3rd person singular.

The bee stings the boy.

L'abeille pique le garçon.

Subject + Verb + Object.

It stings!

Ça pique !

Exclamatory sentence using 'it' as a subject.

Does it sting?

Est-ce que ça pique ?

Question form in simple present.

The water stings.

L'eau pique.

Singular subject with 'stings'.

A wasp stings too.

Une guêpe pique aussi.

Use of 'too' for addition.

My finger stings.

Mon doigt me pique.

Possessive adjective + noun + verb.

The soap stings.

Le savon pique.

Common everyday noun as subject.

I have two bee stings on my leg.

J'ai deux piqûres d'abeille sur la jambe.

Plural noun usage.

The salt water stings my eyes.

L'eau salée me pique les yeux.

Verb with a direct object.

He says the medicine stings a little.

Il dit que le médicament pique un peu.

Reported speech with 'says'.

She has many stings from the insects.

Elle a beaucoup de piqûres d'insectes.

Plural noun with 'many'.

The cold wind stings her face.

Le vent froid lui pique le visage.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

Be careful, that plant stings.

Fais attention, cette plante pique.

Imperative + descriptive clause.

The smoke from the fire stings.

La fumée du feu pique.

Noun phrase as subject.

My skin stings after the sun.

Ma peau me pique après le soleil.

Prepositional phrase 'after the sun'.

Her criticism really stings his pride.

Sa critique blesse vraiment son orgueil.

Metaphorical verb usage.

The police carried out several stings last night.

La police a mené plusieurs opérations d'infiltration hier soir.

Noun referring to police operations.

It stings to lose the game in the final minute.

C'est douloureux de perdre le match à la dernière minute.

Infinitive phrase as the cause of the 'sting'.

The ointment stings at first, but then it feels better.

La pommade pique au début, mais ensuite ça va mieux.

Contrast using 'at first... but then'.

He still feels the stings of past rejections.

Il ressent encore les piqûres des rejets passés.

Plural noun in a metaphorical sense.

The irony of the situation stings him.

L'ironie de la situation le blesse.

Abstract subject with a direct object.

Jellyfish stings can be treated with vinegar.

Les piqûres de méduses peuvent être traitées avec du vinaigre.

Passive voice 'can be treated'.

The cold air stings your lungs when you breathe deeply.

L'air froid vous pique les poumons quand vous respirez profondément.

Adverbial clause 'when you breathe deeply'.

The investigative report revealed a series of elaborate stings.

Le rapport d'enquête a révélé une série d'opérations d'infiltration élaborées.

Complex noun phrase 'series of elaborate stings'.

It stings to realize that your hard work was for nothing.

C'est dur de réaliser que ton dur labeur n'a servi à rien.

Clausal subject 'to realize that...'.

The sharp winter frost stings the cheeks of the commuters.

Le givre vif de l'hiver pique les joues des banlieusards.

Descriptive literary style.

His biting sarcasm stings even his closest allies.

Son sarcasme mordant blesse même ses alliés les plus proches.

Use of 'even' for emphasis.

The memory of the betrayal still stings after all these years.

Le souvenir de la trahison pique encore après toutes ces années.

Temporal phrase 'after all these years'.

Multiple wasp stings can trigger an allergic reaction.

Plusieurs piqûres de guêpes peuvent déclencher une réaction allergique.

Modal verb 'can' expressing possibility.

The truth often stings more than a well-crafted lie.

La vérité blesse souvent plus qu'un mensonge bien ficelé.

Comparative structure 'more than'.

She applied a cold compress to the stings on her arm.

Elle a appliqué une compresse froide sur les piqûres sur son bras.

Prepositional phrase 'to the stings'.

The protagonist grapples with the stings of a guilty conscience.

Le protagoniste est aux prises avec les morsures d'une conscience coupable.

Abstract plural noun in literary context.

The regulatory body conducted stings to identify non-compliant firms.

L'organisme de réglementation a mené des opérations d'infiltration pour identifier les entreprises non conformes.

Formal administrative context.

It stings to be passed over for a promotion you clearly deserved.

C'est blessant d'être écarté pour une promotion que l'on méritait clairement.

Passive infinitive 'to be passed over'.

The poem explores the stings of mortality and the passage of time.

Le poème explore les morsures de la mortalité et le passage du temps.

Philosophical use of the noun.

Her sharp wit stings, but it also illuminates the truth.

Son esprit vif blesse, mais il éclaire aussi la vérité.

Coordinating conjunction 'but' showing contrast.

The sudden realization of his error stings him like a physical blow.

La réalisation soudaine de son erreur le frappe comme un coup physique.

Simile 'like a physical blow'.

The report detailed the various stings orchestrated by the FBI.

Le rapport détaillait les diverses opérations d'infiltration orchestrées par le FBI.

Past participle 'orchestrated' as an adjective.

The salt in the air stings the eyes of the sailors.

Le sel dans l'air pique les yeux des marins.

Descriptive imagery.

The narrative is punctuated by the stings of unresolved trauma.

Le récit est ponctué par les morsures d'un traumatisme non résolu.

Passive voice with an abstract agent.

The agency's stings were meticulously planned to minimize collateral damage.

Les opérations d'infiltration de l'agence ont été méticuleusement planifiées pour minimiser les dommages collatéraux.

Adverbial modification 'meticulously planned'.

The sheer audacity of the betrayal stings even the most cynical observers.

L'audace pure de la trahison blesse même les observateurs les plus cyniques.

Superlative 'most cynical' with 'even'.

He felt the stings of social ostracization after the scandal broke.

Il a ressenti les morsures de l'ostracisme social après l'éclatement du scandale.

Complex noun phrase 'social ostracization'.

The satirical play stings the conscience of the ruling elite.

La pièce satirique pique la conscience de l'élite dirigeante.

Metaphorical verb in a sociopolitical context.

The antiseptic stings, a necessary precursor to the healing process.

L'antiseptique pique, un précurseur nécessaire au processus de guérison.

Appositive phrase 'a necessary precursor...'.

The stings of winter are felt most acutely by those without shelter.

Les morsures de l'hiver sont ressenties le plus durement par ceux qui n'ont pas d'abri.

Passive voice with superlative adverb 'most acutely'.

Her rejection stings, yet it provides the impetus for his self-reflection.

Son rejet blesse, pourtant il donne l'impulsion à son introspection.

Conjunction 'yet' showing a surprising result.

Häufige Kollokationen

bee stings

police stings

salt stings

criticism stings

jellyfish stings

smoke stings

rejection stings

antiseptic stings

undercover stings

truth stings

Häufige Phrasen

The truth stings

— It is painful to hear the reality of a situation. Used when someone is offended by a fact.

I know you're upset, but the truth stings.

Stings like a bee

— Describes something that causes a sharp, sudden pain. Often references Muhammad Ali's famous quote.

His jab stings like a bee.

Multiple stings

— Referring to more than one injury from an insect. Often used in medical warnings.

Multiple stings can be fatal for some.

Cold that stings

— Describing extremely cold weather that causes pain to exposed skin.

There is a cold that stings in the air today.

Stings of conscience

— Feeling guilty or regretful about something one has done.

He suffered the stings of conscience for years.

Stings of defeat

— The sharp emotional pain felt after losing a competition or failing.

The stings of defeat motivated them to train harder.

Stings to the touch

— Something that causes pain when it is touched, like a rash or a burn.

The rash stings to the touch.

Stings of poverty

— The sharp, difficult challenges and pains associated with being poor.

The novel depicts the stings of poverty in the 19th century.

Stings of envy

— The sharp, unpleasant feeling of wanting what someone else has.

She felt the stings of envy when she saw his new car.

Stings of the lash

— Literal or metaphorical pain from being whipped or severely criticized.

The prisoner felt the stings of the lash.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

stings vs stinks

Stinks refers to a bad smell, while stings refers to a sharp pain. They sound similar but have very different meanings.

stings vs strings

Strings are thin pieces of cord or fiber. The extra 'r' changes the word entirely.

stings vs bites

Bites involve teeth; stings involve a stinger or chemical. You get a mosquito bite but a bee sting.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"

— To be agile and graceful but capable of delivering a powerful, sharp attack. Famous Muhammad Ali quote.

In the ring, he tried to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

informal/sports

"Take the sting out of"

— To make something less painful, difficult, or unpleasant. Usually refers to bad news.

The bonus helped take the sting out of the long hours.

neutral

"A sting in the tail"

— An unexpected and unpleasant feature that comes at the end of something.

The movie was great, but the ending had a sting in the tail.

neutral

"Sting someone for money"

— To charge someone too much or to trick them into paying for something.

The mechanic really stung me for that repair.

slang

"The sting of the serpent"

— A betrayal or a malicious act from someone trusted.

He felt the sting of the serpent when his partner stole the funds.

literary

"Left a sting"

— Used when a remark or event caused lasting emotional hurt.

Her departure left a sting that he couldn't ignore.

neutral

"Stings to the quick"

— To hurt someone's feelings deeply and intensely.

His insult stung her to the quick.

literary

"Deadly stings"

— Often used to describe something small that can cause great harm.

The small scorpion has deadly stings.

neutral

"Stings like salt in a wound"

— To make a bad situation even more painful.

Losing his job was bad, but his car breaking down stung like salt in a wound.

neutral

"The truth stings"

— Accepting a harsh reality is painful.

He didn't like being called lazy, but the truth stings.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

stings vs stingy

Similar spelling and root.

Stingy is an adjective meaning unwilling to spend money, while stings is a verb or plural noun related to pain.

He is very stingy with his money, but the bee stings him anyway.

stings vs singes

Similar sound and spelling.

Singes means to burn superficially or lightly, while stings refers to the sharp pain of a prick or chemical.

The flame singes the hair, but the alcohol stings the skin.

stings vs stings vs stung

Tense confusion.

Stings is present tense (3rd person singular); stung is the past tense and past participle.

The bee stings today, but it stung me yesterday too.

stings vs stinging

Participle vs verb form.

Stinging is often used as an adjective (stinging nettles) or the continuous form (is stinging).

The stinging nettle stings anyone who touches it.

stings vs stinger

Noun for the organ vs the injury.

A stinger is the part of the insect that causes the pain; stings are the injuries themselves.

The bee leaves its stinger in the stings it inflicts.

Satzmuster

Subject + stings.

The bee stings.

Subject + stings + Object.

The soap stings my eyes.

It + stings + to + Verb.

It stings to lose the game.

Noun + stings + are + Adjective.

Bee stings are painful.

The + Noun + of + Noun + stings.

The memory of the failure stings.

Subject + stings + like + Noun.

It stings like fire.

Participial Phrase + stings.

Being ignored by friends really stings.

Complex Noun Phrase + stings + Abstract Object.

The systemic failure stings the public conscience.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

sting

stinger

stinging

Verben

sting

stung

Adjektive

stinging

stingless

stung

Verwandt

wasp

bee

venom

pain

undercover

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in daily speech and news reporting.

Häufige Fehler

The bees stings me. → The bees sting me.
With a plural subject (bees), the verb should be 'sting' without the 's'.
It stinged when I touched it. → It stung when I touched it.
The past tense of 'sting' is 'stung', which is irregular. 'Stinged' is incorrect.
I have a stings on my arm. → I have a sting on my arm.
If there is only one injury, use the singular 'sting'. 'Stings' is for more than one.
The smoke stinks my eyes. → The smoke stings my eyes.
You are confusing 'stinks' (bad smell) with 'stings' (sharp pain).
The criticism stinged his pride. → The criticism stung his pride.
Even in metaphorical use, the past tense remains the irregular 'stung'.

Tipps

Watch the Subject

Remember that 'stings' is for singular subjects. 'The bee stings' but 'The bees sting.' This is a very common mistake for learners.

Sting vs. Bite

Use 'sting' for bees, wasps, and scorpions. Use 'bite' for spiders, dogs, and mosquitos. This shows you know your animal vocabulary!

Emotional Stings

Don't be afraid to use 'stings' for feelings. Saying 'That comment stings' sounds very natural and native-like.

The Final Z

The 's' at the end of 'stings' should sound like a 'z'. Practice saying 'stɪŋz' to sound more fluent.

Sensory Details

Use 'stings' when you want the reader to feel a sharp, localized sensation. It's more evocative than just saying 'it hurts.'

Police Context

When you see 'stings' in a news headline about crime, it almost always refers to undercover operations, not insects!

Plant Pain

In the UK, 'stings' is the go-to word for the reaction caused by nettles. It's a very common outdoor experience there.

No 'R'

Make sure not to add an 'r'. 'Strings' are for guitars; 'stings' are for bees. Double-check your spelling in writing.

Allergy Warnings

If you are allergic, always use the plural 'stings' when talking to doctors about your history of reactions.

Take the Sting Out

This is a great idiom to use when you are trying to make a bad situation better. 'I bought her flowers to take the sting out of the argument.'

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

STINGS: Sharp Trauma IN Great Surprises. Think of a bee (Sharp Trauma) or a police trap (Great Surprise).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a bright yellow bee with a sharp needle, or a detective hiding behind a corner waiting to catch a thief.

Word Web

Bee Pain Police Sharp Venom Trap Rejection Salt

Herausforderung

Try to use 'stings' as a noun and a verb in the same paragraph about a bad day at the beach.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old English 'stingan', which meant to thrust, pierce, or prick with a point. It has Proto-Germanic roots, specifically '*stinganą'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning focused on the physical act of piercing or stabbing with a sharp object.

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'stings' to describe someone's feelings, as it can sound dismissive if not used with empathy.

Commonly used in weather reports ('stinging cold') and sports ('the sting of defeat').

Muhammad Ali: 'Sting like a bee.' The Sting (1973 movie): A famous film about a complex con operation. The Police (band): Led by Sting, whose name comes from a black and yellow sweater.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Medical/First Aid

Treating bee stings
The antiseptic stings
Allergic to stings
Swelling from stings

Nature/Outdoors

Watch out for stings
Jellyfish stings
Stinging nettles
Insects that sting

Law Enforcement

Police stings
Undercover stings
Caught in a sting
Orchestrated stings

Emotional/Social

The truth stings
Rejection stings
His words sting
The sting of defeat

Weather

Stinging cold
Wind stings the face
Frost stings
The air stings

Gesprächseinstiege

"Have you ever had any bad bee stings while gardening?"

"Does the cold weather ever make your skin feel like it stings?"

"Do you think police stings are an effective way to stop crime?"

"Why do you think people say 'the truth stings'?"

"What is the best way to treat jellyfish stings at the beach?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when a piece of criticism really felt like it stings. How did you react?

Write about a cold winter day where the wind stings your face. Use descriptive language.

If you were a detective, what kind of stings would you organize to catch criminals?

Reflect on the phrase 'the truth stings.' Is it always better to tell a painful truth?

Imagine you are a bee. Why would you use your stings, knowing it might be your last act?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It can be both! As a verb, it's the third-person singular present (e.g., 'He stings'). As a noun, it's the plural form of 'sting' (e.g., 'two bee stings').

The past tense of the verb 'to sting' is 'stung.' For example, 'The bee stung me yesterday.' 'Stinged' is not a correct word.

Technically, no. Mosquitos 'bite' because they use their mouthparts. Bees, wasps, and scorpions 'sting' because they use a stinger.

It means that hearing the truth can be emotionally painful, especially if it reveals something negative about ourselves.

Yes, 'stings' is simply the plural. If the police do many undercover operations, they are conducting 'stings.'

Salt stings because it irritates the exposed nerve endings in the wound, causing a sharp, burning sensation.

Yes, it's very common to say 'the cold stings your face' or 'stinging cold' to describe a sharp, painful chill.

'Stings' is the standard word for sharp pain. 'Smarts' is more informal and usually describes a sharp pain that lingers for a bit.

Yes, some plants like 'stinging nettles' have tiny hairs that cause stings when you touch them.

Yes, it is a B1 level word, meaning it is essential for intermediate English learners and used frequently in many contexts.

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