Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Point" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "point", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
指す
さす (sasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
喝破する
かっぱする (kappasuru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "point" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 指す and 喝破する.
In Japanese, 指す (さす (sasu)) is typically associated with "to point; to indicate" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Commonly used to mean pointing with a finger.
On the other hand, 喝破する (かっぱする (kappasuru)) maps to "point out, proclaim" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "point" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "指す"
彼は遠くに見える山を指した。
He pointed at the mountain visible in the distance.
Bilingual Context for "喝破する"
私は喝破するに興味があります。
I am interested in point out, proclaim.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は遠くに見える山を指した。" (Meaning: "He pointed at the mountain visible in the distance.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "指す" fits here because it means "to point; to indicate" in the context of: "He pointed at the mountain visible in the distance.". "喝破する" represents "point out, proclaim".