point at
يشير نحو
Use `point at` for objects to be clear, but be cautious when using it toward people.
15秒了解
- Use your finger to show someone a specific object or person.
- Common in restaurants, shops, and when looking at maps or photos.
- Be careful: pointing at people can be considered rude or aggressive.
意思
To use your finger or an object to show someone exactly where something is or who you are talking about.
关键例句
3 / 6Ordering food at a market
I had to point at the cheese because I forgot the name.
اضطررت للإشارة إلى الجبن لأنني نسيت الاسم.
Looking at a map with a friend
Can you point at the hotel on this map?
هل يمكنك الإشارة إلى الفندق على هذه الخريطة؟
A business presentation
The CEO used a laser to point at the rising sales figures.
استخدم الرئيس التنفيذي الليزر للإشارة إلى أرقام المبيعات المرتفعة.
文化背景
In many English-speaking countries, pointing at people is considered a social faux pas. It is often associated with blaming someone or being accusatory. Interestingly, using the whole hand to gesture is considered much more professional and polite than using a single finger.
The 'Two-Finger' Rule
In some theme parks like Disney, employees are trained to point with two fingers because it is considered friendlier than one!
Avoid the Finger
If you are in a meeting, try to use your whole palm to gesture toward a person instead of pointing your index finger.
15秒了解
- Use your finger to show someone a specific object or person.
- Common in restaurants, shops, and when looking at maps or photos.
- Be careful: pointing at people can be considered rude or aggressive.
What It Means
Point at is a simple action. You extend your index finger toward an object or person. It helps someone else see what you see. It is like drawing an invisible line from your hand to a target. We use it to identify things in space.
How To Use It
Use it with a physical object or a person. The structure is simple: Subject + point at + Object. For example, "I point at the menu." You can also use it with your chin or a pen. It is a direct way to focus someone's attention.
When To Use It
You use this when directions are not enough. Imagine you are at a bakery. You want the chocolate croissant, not the plain one. You point at the specific one you want. It is great for travel when you do not know the local words. It is also common when looking at photos with friends. "Look at this guy!" you say as you point at your cousin's weird haircut.
When NOT To Use It
Do not point at people in polite company. It can feel aggressive or like you are gossiping. In many cultures, pointing your finger at a stranger is seen as a bit rude. If you must indicate a person, use an open hand instead. Also, do not use it for abstract ideas. You do not point at a feeling; you point out a fact.
Cultural Background
In Western cultures, children are often told, "It is rude to point!" This is because pointing can make a person feel like a target. However, in a classroom or a business presentation, it is perfectly normal. Some cultures use their lips or chin to point at things instead of fingers. In the US and UK, using a finger is the most common way to show location.
Common Variations
You might hear point to as well. Point at is usually more specific and direct. Point out is different; it means to mention a fact or a detail. If you are using a laser, you point the laser at the screen. Just remember: at usually implies a specific target.
使用说明
This is a neutral collocation. The main 'gotcha' is the cultural etiquette regarding pointing at people versus objects.
The 'Two-Finger' Rule
In some theme parks like Disney, employees are trained to point with two fingers because it is considered friendlier than one!
Avoid the Finger
If you are in a meeting, try to use your whole palm to gesture toward a person instead of pointing your index finger.
Point Out vs Point At
Remember: 'Point at' is for physical things. 'Point out' is for information, like pointing out a mistake in a document.
例句
6I had to point at the cheese because I forgot the name.
اضطررت للإشارة إلى الجبن لأنني نسيت الاسم.
Shows using the phrase when language fails.
Can you point at the hotel on this map?
هل يمكنك الإشارة إلى الفندق على هذه الخريطة؟
A very common way to ask for directions.
The CEO used a laser to point at the rising sales figures.
استخدم الرئيس التنفيذي الليزر للإشارة إلى أرقام المبيعات المرتفعة.
Shows the phrase used in a professional setting with a tool.
Look at the cat in the back! I'm pointing at it in the screenshot.
انظر إلى القطة في الخلف! أنا أشير إليها في لقطة الشاشة.
Modern digital use of the phrase.
Stop pointing at me like I'm the one who ate the last cookie!
توقف عن الإشارة إلي وكأنني أنا من أكل آخر قطعة كعك!
Uses the phrase in a lighthearted, accusatory way.
The child pointed at the star and said it was his mother watching over him.
أشار الطفل إلى النجمة وقال إنها والدته التي تحرسه.
Shows the phrase used in a sentimental context.
自我测试
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
The teacher told the student to ___ the map on the wall.
We use 'at' to indicate the specific target of the pointing action.
Select the best phrase for a polite situation.
It's not polite to ___ strangers in the street.
Culturally, pointing at strangers is often considered rude in English-speaking countries.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Point At'
Pointing at a friend's funny shoes.
Hey, look at those!
Pointing at a menu item for a waiter.
Using a pointer in a lecture.
Please note the data here.
When to use 'Point At'
Bakery
Pointing at a cake
Classroom
Pointing at the board
Travel
Pointing at a map
Photos
Pointing at a face
常见问题
10 个问题They are very similar. Point at is usually more specific and direct, while point to can be more general, like the sign points to the north.
Yes, but be careful. It can be seen as rude or accusatory, like saying He pointed at the thief.
Point at is physical (using a finger), while point out means to bring attention to a fact, like She pointed out the error.
Yes, it is very common and helpful to point at the item you want on a menu.
It is neutral. You can use it in a casual conversation or a professional presentation.
Technically yes, but it is considered very informal or even disrespectful in many cultures.
It usually means the person feels you are blaming them or being too aggressive with your gestures.
Yes, dogs actually understand when you point at a ball or their food bowl!
It is often considered a prepositional verb because 'at' is required to show the target.
Indicate or gesture toward are more formal synonyms for point at.
相关表达
point out
To draw attention to a specific fact or detail.
gesture toward
A more formal way to say you are showing a direction with your hand.
indicate
To show or point something out in a formal way.
aim at
To direct a weapon or a tool toward a specific target.
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