1.
index finger, forefinger
The finger between the thumb and the middle finger, used for pointing. Called the "person-pointing finger" in Japanese.
人差し指で画面をタッチする。
Touch the screen with your index finger.
人差し指を口に当てて「しっ」と言った。
She put her index finger to her lips and said "shh."
人を人差し指で指すのは失礼だと言われている。
It's said to be rude to point at people with your index finger.
The index finger, used for pointing. In Japanese culture, pointing at people with this finger is considered rude.
ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "person-pointing finger" — 人 (person) + 差す (to point) + 指 (finger). Named for its role in pointing at people.
ALL FIVE FINGERS:
- 親指: thumb ("parent finger")
- 人差し指: index finger ("person-pointing finger")
- 中指: middle finger ("middle finger")
- 薬指: ring finger ("medicine finger")
- 小指: little finger, pinky ("small finger")
CULTURAL NOTE:
Pointing at people with the 人差し指 is considered impolite in Japan. When indicating a person or direction, Japanese people often gesture with an open hand instead.