人差(ひとさ)し指(ゆび)

The index finger, used for pointing. In Japanese culture, pointing at people with this finger is considered rude.

Etymology

Literally "person-pointing finger" — 人(ひと) (person) + 差(さ)す (to point) + 指(ゆび) (finger). Named for its role in pointing at people.

All five fingers

• 親指(おやゆび): thumb ("parent finger")
• 人差(ひとさ)し指(ゆび): index finger ("person-pointing finger")
• 中指(なかゆび): middle finger ("middle finger")
• 薬指(くすりゆび): ring finger ("medicine finger")
• 小指(こゆび): little finger, pinky ("small finger")

Cultural note

Pointing at people with the 人差(ひとさ)し指(ゆび) is considered impolite in Japan. When indicating a person or direction, Japanese people often gesture with an open hand instead.