- 指 — finger
- 指す — to point
- 指示 — instruction, direction
- 指定 — designation
- 指導 — guidance
- 指名 — nomination
More examples ▼
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.”
先生は 黒板を指しました。
The teacher pointed at the blackboard.
指を切らないように注意してください。
Please be careful not to cut your finger.
