Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Point" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "point", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
さす
さす (sasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
指差す
ゆびさす (yubisasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "point" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さす and 指差す.
In Japanese, さす (さす (sasu)) is typically associated with "to point, to sting, to stab, to open (an umbrella)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 複数の意味を持つ言葉です。「指す（ゆびさす）」、「刺す（さす）」、「差す（かさ、光など）」など文脈で使い分けますが、N4では動詞として使う場面が多いです。.
On the other hand, 指差す (ゆびさす (yubisasu)) maps to "to point at" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Transitive verb. To direct attention to something or someone by pointing with a finger. Can sometimes carry a nuance of rudeness depending on context or culture.. A literal translation of "point" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "さす"
目的地を指さす。
To point at the destination.
Bilingual Context for "指差す"
彼は遠くの山を指差した。
He pointed at the distant mountain.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "目的地を指 ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To point at the destination.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さす" fits here because it means "to point, to sting, to stab, to open (an umbrella)" in the context of: "To point at the destination.". "指差す" represents "to point at".