Translation guide
The English word "pointer" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: a device or indicator that points, a breed of dog, a tip or hint, and a variable that holds a memory address in programming.
A physical object or visual mark used to indicate a position or direction, such as a stick, a needle on a gauge, or a cursor on a screen.
A loanword from English, widely used for various pointing devices including presentation pointers, laser pointers, and screen cursors.
プレゼンでレーザーポインターを使った。
I used a laser pointer during the presentation.
マウスポインターが動かない。
The mouse pointer isn't moving.
A pointing stick, often used by teachers or presenters to point at a board or screen.
先生は指し棒で地図を指した。
The teacher pointed at the map with a pointer.
Refers to the needle or hand of a gauge, clock, or meter.
時計の針が12時を指している。
The clock's hands are pointing to 12 o'clock.
Specifically the cursor on a computer screen, often used interchangeably with ポインター in computing contexts.
カーソルを合わせてクリックしてください。
Please move the cursor over it and click.
A breed of hunting dog known for pointing at game.
The dog breed is called ポインター in Japanese, a direct loanword.
彼はポインターを飼っている。
He has a pointer (dog).
A useful piece of information or suggestion, often practical.
Commonly used for a hint or clue, often in problem-solving or learning contexts.
何かヒントをください。
Give me a pointer, please.
General advice or suggestion, slightly more formal than ヒント.
Formal or written word for advice or counsel.
A knack, trick, or practical tip for doing something well.
In computer programming, a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.
The standard term in programming contexts. Note the slightly different spelling from the general loanword ポインター.
C言語ではポインタをよく使う。
In C language, pointers are often used.
For general pointing devices and the dog breed, use ポインター. For programming memory addresses, use ポインタ. The spelling difference is important in technical contexts.
While ポインター can sometimes be understood as 'tip' in very casual contexts, it's not natural. Use ヒント, アドバイス, or コツ instead.
She gave me some pointers on cooking.
I received some pointers from an expert.
Tell me some pointers for making it well.