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.
I hurt my forefinger.
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.
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'.
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').
食指が動くような話だ。
It's a story that piques my interest (lit. makes my index finger move).