pointer du doigt
The English phrase "point at" is translated into French as pointer du doigt.
The phrase is used to describe the action of using a finger to show someone where a specific person or object is. You can also use montrer du doigt to mean "to point with a finger", or indiquer du regard to describe the act of indicating something with a glance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb pointer (to point) and the prepositional phrase du doigt (with/of the finger).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the verb pointer is often used instead of montrer to express pointing at something informally.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking cultures, pointing directly at a person with a finger is considered quite rude or aggressive, so you may prefer to use indiquer du regard to indicate someone with a glance instead.
- The spelling of doigt includes a silent 'g' that was added in Middle French specifically to make it look different from the verb doit meaning 'must'.
- In Quebec, you may hear the single verb pointer used informally to mean 'to point at something'. In France, however, pointer is typically reserved for more technical or specific contexts.
Examples in context
- Le professeur a désigné le tableau avec son stylo.The teacher pointed at the whiteboard with his pen.
- Le guide a indiqué la direction avec son doigt.The guide pointed the way with his finger.
- Il a montré la maison du doigt.He pointed at the house with his finger.
- Il a pointé du doigt la voiture rouge.He pointed at the red car.
- Ne pas pointer du doigt les gens.Do not point at people.
- Il a commencé à pointer du doigt la voiture.He started pointing at the car.
- Elle refuse de pointer du doigt la bonne direction.She refuses to point at the right direction.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a map in a park.
- LéaHugo, peux-tu pointer du doigt l'église sur la carte ?Hugo, can you point at the church on the map?
- HugoJe ne vois pas où elle est.I don't see where it is.
- LéaRegarde juste là, derrière l'arbre.Look right there, behind the tree.
- HugoAh, je la vois maintenant !Ah, I see it now!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doigt, du, pointer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
