Meaning and Usage
The verb 指す (さす) primarily means "to point" or "to indicate." It is commonly used when physically pointing at something, such as a place on a map or a clock's hands indicating the time. It can also be used figuratively to mean "to point out" or "to indicate" something abstract, like a cause or a problem.
Common Collocations
- 指す場所 (さすばしょ): the place being pointed at
- 時計の針が時間を指す (とけいのはりがじかんをさす): the clock hands point to the time
- 問題を指摘する (もんだいをしてきする): to point out a problem (note: 指摘する is a related verb meaning "to point out" or "to indicate" in a critical or explanatory way)
Register and Politeness
指す is a neutral verb used in both casual and formal contexts. When used in more formal or written language, it often appears in compound verbs like 指摘する.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 指す with 指定する (していする), which means "to designate" or "to specify." Remember that 指す is about physically or figuratively pointing or indicating, while 指定する involves assigning or specifying something officially.