指す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 指す is read as さす and is a transitive verb meaning to point physically at a target or for a word or expression to refer to something.
• Basic usage: Pointing to a red dot on a map appears in 赤い点を指す, while a word referring to the whole family appears in 家族全員を指す.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical pointing and semantic reference
  • Context distinguishes indicating a visible location by hand from a word or explanation denoting a particular scope.
• Difference from 示す
  • Unlike the broad verb for showing information, evidence, or an attitude, this word focuses on a hand or expression directly indicating a particular target.