How to say "indicator" in Japanese

• 指数しすうCommon
  nounCovers an index or index number in a numerical sense, such as figures expressing levels or rates. It is really about computed numeric values rather than indicators in general, so it fits only narrow technical uses.
  日経にっけい指数しすうは大引おおびけ間際まぎわに大おおきく跳ね上はねあがりました。↗

  The Nikkei index jumped dramatically just before closing.
• 指標しひょうCommon
  nounThe usual word for an indicator as a measure or benchmark, especially statistical, economic, or social metrics used to assess conditions. Choose this for most abstract senses of 'indicator'.
  指標しひょうは前月ぜんげつ比ひ４％上昇じょうしょうした。↗

  The index rose 4% from the preceding month.
• ウインカーCommon
  nounMeans a car's turn signal or blinker, the flashing lamp signalling a change of direction. This everyday loanword is the word you want only for that driving sense, not for indicators generally.
• 指針ししんCommon
  nounPrimarily the needle of a compass or gauge or the hand of a clock, and by extension an indicator or pointer. Its core sense is the physical needle, so for figurative or statistical senses other words are usually better.
• バロメーターCommon
  nounA figurative indicator or barometer of conditions, such as a measure of one's health or the state of the economy. Best when something visibly reflects or signals an underlying situation.
  血圧けつあつは健康けんこうのバロメーターとして重要じゅうようである。↗

  Blood pressure is important as a barometer of health.

Use 指標 for abstract statistical or social measures, 「バロメーター」 for figurative gauges of conditions, 指針 mainly for needles and hands on instruments, 「ウインカー」 only for a car's turn signal, and 指数 for numerical index values.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 指数しすうindex
• 指標しひょうindex
• ウインカー(car) turn signal
• 指針ししんneedle (compass, gauge, etc.)
• インジケーターindicator
• 表示板ひょうじばんindicator
• 指示薬しじやくindicator
• 指示子しじしindicator
• 指示器しじきindicator
• バロメーターmeasure (e.g. of one's health)