Translation and Meaning of: 指 - yubi

The Japanese word 「指」 (yubi) means "finger." It is a common term in Japan and represents an essential part of the human body used in various activities, from communication to manual tasks. The etymology of 「指」 is directly related to its meaning, referring to the unique ability of human fingers to point, indicate, or manipulate objects precisely.

The origin of the kanji 「指」 comes from a combination of radicals that express the idea of "hand" and "to indicate". The radical 「扌」 (tehen) is associated with the hand, while the part 「旨」 suggests the idea of pointing or indicating, reflecting the primary function of fingers in our ability to direct or manipulate. This is illustrative of how Japanese characters often associate form and function in their construction.

Besides its use as a noun, 「指」 also appears in various compound words, expanding its meaning. For example, 「指輪」 (yubiwa) means "ring", literally "finger" and "ring". It is also found in 「指示」 (shiji), which means "instruction" or "direction", implying the idea of indicating or guiding. Thus, the use of 「指」 in this and other combinations illustrates the flexibility and breadth of this expression in the Japanese language.

Culturally, fingers hold significant importance in Japan, appearing in various traditions and practices. For example, counting on fingers and the etiquette of pointing are important considerations within Japanese visual and behavioral culture. Therefore, understanding the word 「指」 is also about gaining a deeper insight into the cultural nuances that enrich the language and life in Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

指示 (shiji) - Indication, instruction
手指 (tesushi) - Fingers of the hands
指先 (yubisaki) - Fingertips
指摘 (shiteki) - Indication, pointing out (of an error)
指導 (shidō) - Guidance, instruction (in an educational context)
指図 (sashiizu) - Instruction, guidance (general)
指揮 (shiki) - Command, direction (usually used in musical or military contexts)
指名 (shimei) - Appointment, designation
指定 (shitei) - Designation, specification
指輪 (yubiwa) - ring
指令 (shirei) - order, command
指南 (shinan) - Guidance, guide
指針 (shishin) - Direction, guiding line
指標 (shihyō) - Indicator, signal
指示器 (shijiki) - Indicator, signaling device
指紋 (shimon) - Digital (digital printing)
指先立てる (yubisaki tateru) - Raise the tip of your fingers (pointing at something)
指差す (yubisasu) - Point with your fingers
指摘する (shiteki suru) - Point out, indicate (an error)
指導する (shidō suru) - Guide, instruct
指図する (sashiizu suru) - Give instructions, guide
指揮する (shiki suru) - Conduct, direct (an orchestra or group)
指名する (shimei suru) - Name, designate
指定する (shitei suru) - Designate, specify
指輪する (yubiwa suru) - Put on a ring
指令する (shirei suru) - To give orders, to command
指南する (shinan suru) - To guide, to direct
指針する (shishin suru) - Direct, provide guidelines
指標する (shihyō suru) - Indicate, signal
指示器する (shijiki suru) - Indicar, sinalizar (em um sentido técnico)
指紋する (shimon suru) - Make a digital fingerprint.