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).
He pointed at the map.
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.
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.
He pointed his finger at me.
To draw attention to a fact, problem, or detail, often verbally.
To aim or direct something like a camera, remote control, or weapon.
To point or direct something (transitive). Used for cameras, guns, antennas, etc.
Point the camera at the subject.
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.
This arrow is pointing to the right.
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.
Point at a map
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.
Pointing at people is rude.
He aimed the arrow at the target.
The sign indicates the direction of the store.