Japanese dictionary
How to say "finger" in Japanese
指ゆび · yubi
"Finger" in Japanese is 指 (yubi). The thumb is 親指 (oyayubi), literally "parent finger."
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Ways to say "finger" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 指ゆび · yubi | Finger. |
| 親指おやゆび · oyayubi | Thumb. |
| 人差し指ひとさしゆび · hitosashiyubi | Index finger. |
| 指先ゆびさき · yubisaki | Fingertip. |
How to use it
The other fingers are 中指 (nakayubi, middle), 薬指 (kusuriyubi, ring) and 小指 (koyubi, little).
Pointing at people with your index finger can seem rude in Japan. An open hand is more polite.
Example sentences
- 指を切ってしまいました。Yubi o kitte shimaimashita.I cut my finger.
- ここに指で触ってください。Koko ni yubi de sawatte kudasai.Please touch here with your finger.
- 指輪を薬指にしています。Yubiwa o kusuriyubi ni shite imasu.I wear a ring on my ring finger.
- 寒くて指先が冷たいです。Samukute yubisaki ga tsumetai desu.It's cold, and my fingertips are freezing.
- 親指を立ててOKのサインをしました。Oyayubi o tatete ōkē no sain o shimashita.I gave a thumbs-up.
- 人を指で差さないでください。Hito o yubi de sasanaide kudasai.Please don't point at people.
Questions
What are the names of the fingers in Japanese?
親指 (oyayubi, thumb), 人差し指 (hitosashiyubi, index), 中指 (nakayubi, middle), 薬指 (kusuriyubi, ring) and 小指 (koyubi, little).
Is pointing rude in Japan?
Pointing at a person with your finger can seem rude. To show a direction, use your whole open hand.
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.