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指

指 — finger, point to, indicate

Learn the correct stroke order for 指 (finger), a 9-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 39 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 9
On'yomi (音読み)シshi
Kun'yomi (訓読み)ゆびyubi、さ.すsasu、-さ.しsashi
Strokes9
Radical手
Frequency#155
Meaningsfinger, point to, indicate, put into, play (chess), measure (ruler)

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 9 — start from the green dot

Common Words

屈指くっしleading; foremost; preeminentnoun
指すさすto pointverb
指揮しきcommand; direction; supervisionnoun
指示しじindication; denotation; designationnoun
指針ししんneedle (compass, gauge, etc.); hand (clock); indicatornoun
指図さしずdirections; instructions; ordersnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 指 (finger) is taught in grade 3 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 9 strokes with radical 手.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 指 is #155, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

屈指くっし — leading; foremost; preeminent
指すさす — to point
指揮しき — command; direction; supervision

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (手)

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Same reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 指 have?

The kanji 指 (finger) has 9 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 指?

指 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 指 mean?

指 means: finger, point to, indicate, put into, play (chess), measure (ruler). On'yomi readings: シ. Kun'yomi readings: ゆび, さ.す, -さ.し.

What JLPT level is 指?

指 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.