pointer du doigt
The English phrase 'point to' is translated into French as pointer du doigt.
The phrase is used when you are using a finger to show where something or someone is located.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pointer du doigt literally translates to 'to point with the finger'.
Which one should you use?
The verb Indiquer is used in formal contexts to mean 'to point to'. The verb Désigner translates to 'to designate' or 'to point at' and is used in formal contexts.
Did you know?
- The letter 'g' was added to the spelling of doigt in Middle French specifically to make it look different from the word doit, which means 'must'.
- In many French-speaking cultures, pointing at a person with one's finger is often considered quite rude or aggressive, unlike in some English-speaking contexts.
- The word pointer is used in French workplaces to mean 'clocking in' or 'clocking out' using a time clock.
Examples in context
- Veuillez m'indiquer l'emplacement du muséePlease point me to the location of the museum
- Pourriez-vous me montrer la sortie ?Could you point out the exit to me?
- Elle m'a montré du doigt la direction du parcShe pointed me to the direction of the park
- Il m'a indiqué du doigt le chemin à suivreHe pointed out the way to me
- Il a pointé du doigt la direction à suivre.He pointed with his finger toward the direction to follow.
- Il ne faut pas pointer du doigt les gens.You shouldn't point your finger at people.
- Elle a commencé à pointer du doigt la sortie.She started to point to the exit.
- Peux-tu pointer du doigt l'erreur sur la carte ?Can you point to the error on the map?
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are walking in a park and looking for a specific monument.
- LéaHugo, peux-tu pointer du doigt le grand château ?Hugo, can you point to the big castle?
- HugoOui, il est juste là-bas, derrière les arbres.Yes, it is just over there, behind the trees.
- LéaAh oui, je le vois maintenant !Ah yes, I see it now!
- HugoIl est vraiment magnifique.It is truly magnificent.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doigt, du, pointer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
