Meaning and Usage
"索引" (さくいん) refers to an index or a list used to locate information quickly, commonly found at the end of books, documents, or websites. It helps users find specific topics, terms, or pages without reading everything.
Common Contexts
You will often see "索引" in academic books, manuals, research papers, and digital content like websites or databases. It is a formal term used in written language rather than casual conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- "索引をつける" (to attach an index): used when creating or adding an index to a document.
- "索引ページ" (index page): refers to a webpage or section listing links or topics.
- "詳しい索引" (detailed index): emphasizes the thoroughness of the index.
Usage Notes
When using "索引," speakers imply a structured and organized way to find information efficiently. It is not used for casual searching but for systematic referencing.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "索引" with "インデックス" (index in katakana), which can be used in computing contexts. "索引" is more common in printed or formal materials.