Japanese word

指す

Pronunciation

Romajisasu

Meaning

  • verbpoint

Example

母は遠くの山を指します。haha wa tō ku no yama o sa shi ma su

My mother points to a mountain in the distance.

Illustration for 指す (point)

More examples

地図を見ながら、駅の場所を指しました。chi zu o mi na ga ra eki no ba sho o sa shi ma shi ta

I pointed out the location of the station while looking at a map.

Core concept

指す (sasu) centers on directing attention toward a particular person, place, or thing by showing it or aiming toward it.

Common phrases

  • 方向を指すhō kō o sa su

    point in a direction

  • 指で指すyubi de sa su

    point with a finger

Similar words

示すshimesu: To make a fact, meaning, or location clear through words, signs, or actions.
指し示すsashishimesu: To direct attention clearly toward a particular person, place, or thing.

Definition in Japanese

指や視線などで、特定の対象を示したり、その方向に向けたりする。yubi ya shi sen na do de toku tei no tai shō o shime shi ta ri so no hō kō ni mu ke ta ri su ru

Word origin

指す (sasu) comes from the native verb さす (sasu), while 指 (yubi, "finger") represents its meaning in writing; no further origin is firmly established.

Usage tips

  • The verb 指す (sasu) also applies when a sign, clue, or remark indicates something, extending the idea of directing attention beyond physical gestures.

Other meanings

  • indicateverb
  • aim atverb

Related words

  • 指し方sashikataway of pointingnoun

Word lists with this word