How to Say "Pinky" in Japanese

小指

koyubi[ko̞jɯ̟bʲi]

The English phrase "pinky" is translated into Japanese as 小指 (koyubi).

小指 refers specifically to the smallest finger on the human hand.

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of the kanji 小 (small) and 指 (finger).

While 小指 specifically refers to the pinky, the term 指 (yubi) is the general word for any finger.

koyubi

In Japan, the 小指 is used to make a 'pinky swear' called 指切り ('finger cut'). This gesture is traditionally followed by the phrase 嘘ついたら血が出る meaning 'if I lie, my finger will bleed'.
While 小指 refers to the finger, the word 指 is also used to describe toes. A Japanese person might refer to their little toe as their 小指 as well.
In traditional Japanese palmistry, the 小指 is associated with communication and intuition. A particularly long or curved 小指 is often interpreted as a sign of high intelligence or artistic talent.

薬指を曲げずに、小指だけを曲げれる？
Can you bend your pinky without bending your ring finger?
Tatoeba #11883186 by small_snow, translation #11228598 by ddnktr
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".
Tatoeba #10153666 by small_snow, translation #10573685 by auxitt
小指は四番目の指です。
The pinky finger is the fourth finger.
小指を怪我しました。
kogayubi o kegashimashita.
I injured my pinky.

A mother and son are looking at a child's small hand.

陽葵 Himari

この子の小指はとても小さいね。
kono ko no kogayubi wa totemo chiisai ne.
This child's pinky is very small, isn't it?
陽太 Yota

本当だ、可愛いね。
hontou da, kawaii ne.
It really is, how cute.
陽葵 Himari

陽太君も、小指が細いよ。
Youta-kun mo, kogayubi ga hosoi yo.
Youta, your pinky is slender too.
陽太 Yota

そうかな？
sou kana?
You think so?

Sources

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