How to Say "Middle Finger" in Japanese

中指

nakayubi[na̠ka̠jɯ̟bʲi]

The English phrase "middle finger" is 中指 (nakayubi) in Japanese.

中指 refers to the middle finger.

Meaning: obscene gesture (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word 中指 is composed of 中 (middle) and 指 (finger).

nakayubi

Unlike in many Western countries, the middle finger is not a traditional or historically rooted gesture in Japan, making it a borrowed cultural concept.
The word 指 (yubi) is used in the phrase 指をくわえる (to suck one's finger), which means to look on helplessly while others enjoy something.
If you were to say 中指を立てる (to raise the middle finger), you are using the verb for 'to stand' or 'to erect'.

中指が一番長いです。
The middle finger is the longest.
This sentence is useful for stating that 中指 is the longest finger.
Tatoeba #10627106 by small_snow, translation #715802 by darinmex
トムは今日校長に中指を立てました。
Tom gave the middle finger to the principal today.
This sentence shows how to describe the action of giving 中指 to someone.
Tatoeba #9595558 by Sim5634, translation #10069544 by tsp_2
指は、親指から「親指」「人差し指」「中指」「薬指」「小指」と言います。
Starting from the thumb, your fingers are called the "thumb", "index finger", "middle finger", "ring finger", and "pinky".
This sentence helps you learn the names of all the fingers, including 中指.
Tatoeba #10153666 by small_snow, translation #10573685 by auxitt

Kenta and Himari are watching a movie in the living room.

健太 Kenta

あの映画の悪役、中指を立ててたよ。
Ano eiga no akuyaku, nakayubi o tatete ta yo.
That villain in the movie was showing the middle finger.
陽葵 Himari

本当に失礼な人だね。
Hontō ni shitsureina hito dane.
What a truly rude person.
健太 Kenta

そうだね、見ていて気分が悪くなった。
Sō dane, mite ite kibun ga waruku natta.
Yeah, watching that made me feel uncomfortable.
陽葵 Himari

そんなの、二度と見たくないよ。
Sonna no, nido to mitakunai yo.
I never want to see something like that again.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏