JLPT N3 · 9 strokes
Kanji 指: "finger, point to, indicate"
The kanji 指 means "finger, point to, indicate, put into, play (chess), measure (ruler)". It is written with 9 strokes and belongs to JLPT level N3, read シ in on'yomi and ゆび, さ.す, -さ.し in kun'yomi.
Stroke order
Strokes are written in the order of the numbers. The order is not decorative: it is what gives the character its balance, and it is also how handwriting search works in Japanese dictionaries.
Readings
On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading)
シ
Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading)
ゆびさ.す-さ.し
In a kun'yomi reading, the dot separates the kanji from its okurigana: かた.る is read かたる and written 語る. A hyphen marks a bound position, like -び in 日.
At a glance
| Meaning | finger, point to, indicate, put into, play (chess), measure (ruler) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT level | N3 |
| Taught in Japan | grade 3 |
| Frequency rank | 155 of 2,501 |
Common words with 指
The most frequent words using this kanji, most common first, with furigana readings. Click one to open it in the reader.
- 指finger; toe; digit
- 目指すto aim at (for, to do, to become); to try for; to have an eye on · to go toward; to head for
- 指示indication; denotation; designation · instructions; directions
- 指摘pointing out; identification
- 指すto point · to nominate; to select someone; to specify some person
- 指定designation; specification; assignment; appointment
- 指導guidance; leadership; instruction; direction · shido (minor penalty in judo)
- 指先bout du doigt, bout de l'orteil
- 指輪(finger) ring
- 指差すto point at
- 人差し指index finger; forefinger; first (occ. second) finger · second toe
- 指揮command; direction; supervision · conducting (an orchestra, choir, etc.)
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