• 矢印やじるし — arrow symbol
• 矢先やさき — aim point / the very moment
• 矢車やぐるま — arrow-wheel / windmill
• 矢表やおもて — line of fire / target of criticism
• 弓矢ゆみや — bow and arrow
• 毒矢どくや — poisoned arrow

矢 is a pictograph of a real arrow — with a shaft, pointed tip, and feathered tail. It’s a simple but powerful symbol that conveys direction, speed, and force.

Today, it’s used both literally and metaphorically — from arrows on signs to expressions of focus, intention, and even verbal attacks.

矢印やじるしに従したがって進すすんでください。
Please follow the arrow sign.

彼かれは矢やのようように走はしり出だした。
He dashed out like an arrow.