Translation guide
The act of indicating direction or location with a finger, object, or gesture. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with verbs like 指す (sasu) or 指差す (yubisasu), but the specific word choice depends on context, formality, and whether the pointing is literal or figurative.
To indicate a direction, location, or object by extending a finger or holding something toward it.
General verb for pointing. Can be used for pointing with a finger, hand, or object. Also used figuratively (pointing to a fact, indicating).
彼は地図を指した。
He pointed at the map.
あの看板を指してください。
Please point to that sign.
Specifically means pointing with a finger. More vivid than 指す. Often used when the action of pointing is emphasized.
子供が星を指差した。
The child pointed at the star.
Literally 'to direct one's finger'. Can imply accusation or drawing attention, similar to 'point the finger at'.
Often carries a nuance of blame or accusation.
彼は私に指を向けた。
He pointed his finger at me.
To draw attention to a fact, problem, or detail, often verbally.
To point out (a fact, mistake, issue). Common in formal and informal contexts.
彼は問題点を指摘した。
He pointed out the problem.
間違いがあれば指摘してください。
Please point out any mistakes.
To direct attention to something. Softer than 指摘する, often used when guiding focus.
この点に注意を向けてください。
Please direct your attention to this point.
To aim or direct something like a camera, remote control, or weapon.
To point or direct something (transitive). Used for cameras, guns, antennas, etc.
カメラを被写体に向ける。
Point the camera at the subject.
銃を人に向けてはいけない。
Don't point a gun at people.
To aim (at a target). Implies intention to hit or capture. Used for weapons, cameras, goals.
Describing the orientation of something, like a sign or arrow.
To face or point in a direction (intransitive). Used for buildings, signs, compass directions.
この矢印は右を向いている。
This arrow is pointing to the right.
家は南を向いている。
The house faces south.
To indicate or point to (often figuratively or with a sign). More formal/literary.
指す is the general verb for pointing and can be used with objects (pens, sticks) or figuratively. 指差す specifically means pointing with a finger and emphasizes the physical action. In casual speech, 指す is more common.
地図を指す (general pointing at a map)
Point at a map
星を指差す (pointing a finger at a star)
Point a finger at a star
English often uses 'pointing' as a gerund or noun. Japanese typically uses verb phrases. For example, 'Pointing is rude' becomes 指を差すのは失礼です (Pointing with a finger is rude). Do not try to nominalize 指す directly as a subject without a particle.
人を指差すのは失礼です。
Pointing at people is rude.
He aimed the arrow at the target.
看板が店の方向を指し示している。
The sign indicates the direction of the store.