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JapanLingo

finger / point

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
9
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a finger pointing at a spoon lifted over a bowl set out in the sun, with the kanji 指 ("finger") drawn into the picture.

Break 指 down and you get 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left, and beside it 旨 (purpose / delicious) — a spoon lifted to taste what's been set out in the sun. Picture a finger pointing at a spoon lifted over a bowl set out in the sun, put 指 inside it, and let that scene stand for "finger" — finger / point. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 9

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

shiji

instruction

shidou

guidance

shiteki

pointing out

shiki

command

shidoushita

plain past: did guidance

shikishita

plain past: did command

Example sentences (4)

joushi no shiji ni shitagatte sagyou shimasu.

I work according to my supervisor's instructions.

shiji ga hakkiri shinai toki wa, kakunin shita hou ga ii desu.

When the instructions are not clear, it is better to check.

senpai ga shinjin o shidou shiteimasu.

A senior employee is coaching the new hire.

teinei ni shidou shite moratta okage de, hayaku shigoto o oboemashita.

Thanks to the careful coaching I received, I learned the job quickly.