1.
to point at, to indicate
To direct attention to something.
指で指す。
To point with one's finger.
針が北を指している。
The needle is pointing north.
地図の場所を指して説明した。
I pointed at the location on the map and explained.
2.
to refer to, to mean
To indicate a meaning or reference.
それは何を指しますか。
What does that refer to?
この言葉は何を指しているのですか。
What does this word refer to?
「彼」が指す人物は誰ですか。
Who is the person that 'he' refers to?
指す is a godan verb meaning to point at or indicate something.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Takes を particle for the target
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 指で指す: to point with a finger
- 〜を指す: to refer to ~, indicate ~
- 方向を指す: to point in a direction
- 針が北を指す: needle points north
HOMOPHONES (different kanji):
- 差す: to hold up (umbrella), shine through
- 刺す: to stab, pierce, sting
- 挿す: to insert
CULTURAL NOTE:
Pointing directly at people with a finger is considered rude in Japan.