118
指
Finger, Point
ゆび (yubi), さ-す (sa-su)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
Japanese people often avoid pointing directly at others with a finger because it can be considered impolite. Instead, they may gesture with an open hand.
Memory Trick
Picture a HAND (扌) stretching out one FINGER to POINT at a destination. The hand radical makes the meaning easy to remember.
Readings
Onyomi: シ (shi)
Kunyomi: ゆび (yubi), さ-す (sa-su)
Example Words
指
ゆび (yubi)
Finger
指す
さす (sasu)
To point
指定
してい (shitei)
Designation
目指す
めざす (mezasu)
To aim for
Example Sentence
先生が 黒板を 指しました。
せんせいが こくばんを さしました。
sensei ga kokuban o sashimashita
The teacher pointed at the blackboard.