人差し指・人指し指|ひとさしゆびhitosashiyubi[4]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
人差し指人差し指 is the most common written form and the recommended choice for beginners. Use it when you need to write the word.
人指し指人指し指 is a less common mixed kanji-and-kana variant of 人差し指. You may encounter it, but beginners should choose 人差し指 instead.
Definitions
- nounindex finger; forefinger; first (occ. second) finger
- nounsecond toe
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym食指しょくしWrittenA written word for the index finger; in modern usage it appears mainly in the idiom 「食指が動く」, meaning to develop an interest or appetite.
- Synonym示指じしFormalFormal medical term for the index finger, used mainly in anatomy and medical contexts; everyday speech keeps to 「人差し指」.
In everyday speech say 「人差し指」, as in 「人差し指で指す」. 「示指」 is the formal medical term, while 「食指」 is written style, seen mostly in the idiom 「食指が動く」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
