Translation and Meaning of: 指す - sasu

The Japanese word 指す [さす] is an essential verb for those learning the language, as it frequently appears in both everyday conversations and formal texts. Its main meaning is "to point" or "to indicate," but depending on the context, it can take on interesting nuances. In this article, we will explore how this word is used, its origin, and some curiosities that help to better understand its role in the Japanese language.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese use 指す in everyday situations or what the best way to memorize it is, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and accurate explanations so that you master not only the meaning but also the correct use of this word in different contexts.

Meaning and use of 指す

The verb 指す has the most common translations of "point" or "indicate," but its usage goes beyond the physical gesture of directing a finger at something. It can also mean "to refer to" or "to signify," especially in abstract contexts. For example, when someone says "この言葉は何を指していますか?" (What does this word indicate?), the verb is being used to inquire about the implied meaning.

In everyday situations, 指す often appears in explanations, discussions, and even in instructions. If a teacher is teaching geography and points to a map, he might say "この矢印は北を指しています" (This arrow points to the north). The word carries an idea of direction, whether physical or conceptual, which makes it quite versatile.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 指 is composed of the hand radical (扌) and the component 旨, which originally represented something "tasty" or "delicate." This combination may seem strange at first glance, but it makes sense when we think that pointing is an action that involves the hands and a certain precision. The kanji itself was already used in ancient Chinese with a similar meaning and was incorporated into Japanese with the same function.

It is worth noting that 指 also appears in other words, such as 指輪 (yubiwa, ring) and 指示 (shiji, instruction), always maintaining the notion of something related to fingers, pointing, or directing. This consistency helps to understand why the verb 指す has the meaning it does, and also facilitates memorization for those who are learning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to solidify 指す is to associate it with concrete situations. Think about how you would use the word "to point" in Portuguese and try to imagine similar scenarios in Japanese. For example, when you see someone indicating a direction or explaining a concept, visualize the sentence with 指す. Repeating real examples helps to internalize the verb naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to the use of verbs in animes, dramas, or even in news. Often, 指す appears in contexts where there is a discussion about the meaning of something or when someone is being directed to a place. The more you expose yourself to authentic situations, the easier it will be to this word and apply it correctly.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 指す

  • 指す - base form
  • 指します - Formal
  • 指せる - potential
  • 指さない - negative
  • 指して - te-form
  • 指される - ive

Synonyms and similar words

  • 指し示す (sashimesu) - Indicate, show.
  • 指示す (shijisu) - Signal, indicate (variant form of 指し示す).
  • 示唆す (shisasu) - Suggest, insinuate.
  • 示唆する (shisasu) - Suggest, imply (more formal or complete form of 示唆す).
  • 示す (shimesu) - Show, display.
  • 示される (shimesareru) - To be shown, to be displayed (ive form of 示す).
  • 示された (shimesareta) - It was shown (past form of the ive voice of 示す).
  • 示しましょう (shimeshimashou) - Let's show (suggestive form of 示す).
  • 示しまくる (shimeshimakuru) - Show repeatedly, display many times.
  • 示しまくった (shimeshimakutta) - Showed repeatedly (past form of 示しまくる).
  • 示しまくったことがある (shimeshimakutta koto ga aru) - I have shown repeatedly.
  • 示しまくったことがない (shimeshimakutta koto ga nai) - I never showed repeatedly.

Related words

目指す

mezasu

search; keep an eye out

矢印

yajirushi

directing arrow

目標

mokuhyou

brand; goal; target

向ける

mukeru

To turn; to point

転換

tenkan

to convert; to dodge

勤める

tsutomeru

serve; fill a post; serve under; strive; strive; be diligent; perform (the part of); work (for)

昼飯

chuuhan

lunch; midday meal

shi

order; sequence; times; Next; below

志す

kokorozasu

to plan; to intend; aspire; set goals (targets)

指す

Romaji: sasu
Kana: さす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to point; put an umbrella; to play

Meaning in English: to point;to put up umbrella;to play

Definition: To point in a specific direction or place.

Quick Access
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- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (指す) sasu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (指す) sasu:

Example Sentences - (指す) sasu

See below some example sentences:

下位のポジションから上を目指す。

Kawai no pojishon kara ue o mezasu

Aiming high from a lower position.

Aim from the bottom position.

  • 下位 - means "lower position".
  • の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words.
  • ポジション - a word borrowed from English meaning "position".
  • から - particle indicating origin or starting point.
  • 上 - means "superior".
  • を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 目指す - verb meaning "to aim for" or "to aim at".
完璧を目指す。

Kanpeki wo mezasu

Aiming for perfection.

Aim for perfection.

  • 完璧 (kanpeki) - perfection
  • を (wo) - object particle
  • 目指す (mezasu) - aim, aim
頂点を目指して努力し続ける。

Chouten wo mezashite doryoku shitsuzukeru

Keep striving to reach the top.

Keep aiming for the top.

  • 頂点 - top, peak
  • を - direct object particle
  • 目指して - To aim, to have as a goal
  • 努力 - effort, commitment
  • し続ける - keep doing
人差し指で指し示す。

Hitosashiyubi de sashishimesu

Point with the index finger.

Point with your index finger.

  • 人 (hito) - person
  • 差し指 (sashiyubi) - Index finger
  • で (de) - with
  • 指し示す (sashimesasu) - to point
私は昇進を目指して頑張ります。

Watashi wa shōshin o mezashite ganbarimasu

I will strive to get promoted.

I will do my best to promote.

  • 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 昇進 (shoushin) - Japanese noun meaning "promotion"
  • を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
  • 目指して (mezashite) - Japanese verb meaning "to aim" or "to aim for"
  • 頑張ります (ganbarimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to do one's best" or "to strive"
勝ちを目指して頑張ります。

Kachi wo mezashite ganbarimasu

I will strive to achieve victory.

I will do my best to win.

  • 勝ち - victory
  • を - object particle
  • 目指して - aiming, looking
  • 頑張ります - I will do my best, I will strive.
真空は空気のない状態を指します。

Shinkuu wa kuuki no nai joutai wo shimeshimasu

Vacuum refers to a state without air.

  • Input - - - Please provide data entry into the system.
  • 真空 - - - Japanese word that means "vacuum".
  • は - - - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 空気 - - - Japanese word that means "air".
  • の - - - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship.
  • ない - - - Japanese adjective that means "nonexistent".
  • 状態 - - - Japanese word that means "state" or "condition".
  • を - - - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 指します - - - Japanese verb that means "indicate" or "point".
この会社は優秀な人材を採用することを目指しています。

Kono kaisha wa yūshūna jinzai o saiyō suru koto o mezashite imasu

This company aims to hire exceptional talent.

The company intends to hire excellent human resources.

  • この会社 - This company
  • は - Topic particle
  • 優秀な - Great
  • 人材 - Human resources
  • を - Direct object particle
  • 採用する - Hire
  • こと - Abstract noun
  • を - Direct object particle
  • 目指しています - It is aimed at
ナイターは夜の野球の試合を指します。

Naitā wa yoru no yakyū no shiai o sashimasu

The night game refers to a baseball game at night.

  • ナイター - Japanese term that refers to nighttime baseball games
  • 夜 - night
  • 野球 - baseball
  • 試合 - game
  • 指します - refers to
公平な社会を目指しましょう。

Kouhei na shakai wo mezashimashou

Let's look for a fair society.

  • 公平な - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
  • 社会 - noun meaning "society"
  • を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 目指しましょう - verb meaning "to seek" or "to aim for", conjugated in the polite imperative

Other Words of this Type: verb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb

指す