Translation guide
The fourth finger, typically where a wedding ring is worn. In Japanese, it is commonly called 薬指 (くすりゆび), literally 'medicine finger', from the historical use of this finger to mix or apply medicine.
薬指
ring finger
The learner wants to refer to the ring finger in everyday contexts, such as describing jewelry, injuries, or pointing.
The standard Japanese word for 'ring finger'. Used in all neutral contexts.
薬指に指輪をはめている。
I'm wearing a ring on my ring finger.
薬指をけがした。
I injured my ring finger.
Japanese finger names are based on function or appearance: 親指 (thumb, 'parent finger'), 人差し指 (index finger, 'person-pointing finger'), 中指 (middle finger, 'middle finger'), 薬指 (ring finger, 'medicine finger'), 小指 (little finger, 'small finger').