Translation guide
The finger next to the thumb, commonly called the index finger. In Japanese, the most natural term depends on context: everyday conversation, formal/anatomical, or when pointing specifically.
The most common, neutral way to refer to the forefinger in daily life.
Standard word for index finger. Literally 'person-pointing finger'. Used in all normal situations.
人差し指をけがしました。
I hurt my forefinger.
人差し指で指してください。
Please point with your forefinger.
Used in medical, scientific, or very formal contexts.
Anatomical term for index finger. Common in medical charts or formal descriptions.
示指の骨折が確認されました。
A fracture of the index finger was confirmed.
Literary or formal term for index finger. Rare in speech; sometimes used in set phrases like 食指が動く (to feel like doing something).
When emphasizing the act of pointing with the forefinger.
Natural phrase meaning 'to point with one's index finger'.
人差し指で指して教えてください。
Please point it out with your forefinger.
Japanese finger names are based on function or position: 親指 (thumb, 'parent finger'), 人差し指 (index, 'person-pointing finger'), 中指 (middle, 'middle finger'), 薬指 (ring, 'medicine finger'), 小指 (pinky, 'little finger').
It's a story that piques my interest (lit. makes my index finger move).