Translation guide
The English word "pointer" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: a device or indicator that points, a breed of dog, a tip or hint, and a variable that holds a memory address in programming.
A physical object or visual mark used to indicate a position or direction, such as a stick, a needle on a gauge, or a cursor on a screen.
A loanword from English, widely used for various pointing devices including presentation pointers, laser pointers, and screen cursors.
I used a laser pointer during the presentation.
The mouse pointer isn't moving.
A pointing stick, often used by teachers or presenters to point at a board or screen.
The teacher pointed at the map with a pointer.
Refers to the needle or hand of a gauge, clock, or meter.
The clock's hands are pointing to 12 o'clock.
Specifically the cursor on a computer screen, often used interchangeably with ポインター in computing contexts.
Please move the cursor over it and click.
A breed of hunting dog known for pointing at game.
The dog breed is called ポインター in Japanese, a direct loanword.
He has a pointer (dog).
A useful piece of information or suggestion, often practical.
Commonly used for a hint or clue, often in problem-solving or learning contexts.
Give me a pointer, please.
General advice or suggestion, slightly more formal than ヒント.
Formal or written word for advice or counsel.
A knack, trick, or practical tip for doing something well.
In computer programming, a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.
The standard term in programming contexts. Note the slightly different spelling from the general loanword ポインター.
In C language, pointers are often used.
For general pointing devices and the dog breed, use ポインター. For programming memory addresses, use ポインタ. The spelling difference is important in technical contexts.
While ポインター can sometimes be understood as 'tip' in very casual contexts, it's not natural. Use ヒント, アドバイス, or コツ instead.
料理のアドバイスをくれた。
She gave me some pointers on cooking.
I received some pointers from an expert.
Tell me some pointers for making it well.