指

音読おんよみ:

訓読くんよみ: ゆび・さ

画数かくすう: 9

部首ぶしゅ: 扌(てへん)

Meaning

Finger / Point / Indicate

  • ゆび — finger
  • す — to point
  • 指示しじ — instruction, direction
  • 指定してい — designation
  • 指導しどう — guidance
  • 指名しめい — nomination

指 is built from two parts: the radical 扌 (hand) on the left, and the phonetic part 旨 (meaning “intention” or “aim”) on the right. Together, they suggest the image of a hand pointing with purpose. This structure explains why the kanji means “finger” and by extension “to point” or “to indicate.”

先生せんせい黒板こくばんしました。
The teacher pointed at the blackboard.

ゆびらないように注意ちゅういしてください。
Please be careful not to cut your finger.

理
Creates
指導しどう — guidance, coaching, mentor
◀︎ Sayings+ ▶︎