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March 24, 2026
手指shǒuzhǐ(shou3zhi3)
手指 (shǒuzhǐ) means 'finger' in Mandarin and is used to refer to the digits on the human hand. It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and medical contexts when discussing anatomy or injuries. The term can also be used figuratively to indicate pointing or directing attention.
Frequency#2413DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, fingers are often associated with various organs and health conditions, with each finger corresponding to specific meridians. This connection is significant in practices like acupuncture.
Memory Tip
Think of '手' (shǒu) meaning 'hand' and '指' (zhǐ) meaning 'to point'. Imagine a hand with fingers pointing towards something important, like a treasure map, helping you remember that '手指' is all about fingers.
Meanings of 手指
shǒuzhǐ(shou3zhi3)
1finger
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 手指
手指Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2413Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 手指
Podcast: 手指
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AI Study Notes for 手指
Quick Contrast
指 (zhǐ) vs 手指 (shǒuzhǐ): Use 手指 when specifically referring to 'finger' as a digit on the hand, while 指 can refer to 'to point' or 'finger' in a more general sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '手' (shǒu) meaning 'hand' and '指' (zhǐ) meaning 'to point'. Imagine a hand with fingers pointing towards something important, like a treasure map, helping you remember that '手指' is all about fingers.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to use '手指' in a context where '指头' (zhǐtóu) might be more appropriate, as '指头' can sound more casual. In formal writing, use '手指' when discussing anatomy, while '指头' can be used in informal settings. Be mindful of tone; '指' (zhǐ) uses the third tone, which can be tricky for learners.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '手指' is a good example of how compound words function in Mandarin. Students should practice the character components and their meanings, as well as related vocabulary such as '手' (hand) and '指' (to point). Focus on pronunciation and the combined meanings of the characters.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, fingers are often associated with various organs and health conditions, with each finger corresponding to specific meridians. This connection is significant in practices like acupuncture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '手指' with '指头' and use them interchangeably, which can lead to awkwardness in conversation. For example, saying '我受伤了我的手指' (Wǒ shòushāngle wǒ de shǒuzhǐ) is correct, but in casual conversation, '指头' might be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 手指
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Grammar Patterns of 手指
手指 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
特迪用自己的粗____头捋了一下浓密蓬乱的头发。
Teddy ran thick fingers through his unruly thatch of hair.
Example Sentences for 手指 (10)
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1
特迪用自己的粗手指头捋了一下浓密蓬乱的头发。
tè dí yòng zì jǐ de cū shǒu zhǐ tóu luō le yī xià nóng mì péng luàn de tóu fā。
Teddy ran thick fingers through his unruly thatch of hair.
With trembling fingers, he removed the camera from his pocket.
8
他伸手拿了一支烟点着，手指纹丝不动。
tā shēn shǒu ná le yī zhī yān diǎn zháo， ， shǒu zhǐ wén sī bù。
He reached for a cigarette and lit it, fingers rock steady.
9
他掰开她的手指，把她手中的袋子抢走了。
tā bāi kāi tā de shǒu zhǐ， ， bǎ tā shǒu zhōng de dài zǐ qiāng zǒu。
He prised her fingers from the bag and took it from her.
10
我关窗子时挤破了手指.
wǒ guān chuāng zǐ shí jǐ pò le shǒu zhǐ.
I closed on my finger and made it bleed when I closed the window.
Cultural Notes for 手指
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, fingers are often associated with various organs and health conditions, with each finger corresponding to specific meridians. This connection is significant in practices like acupuncture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 手指
The word for 'thumb' in Mandarin is '拇指' (mǔzhǐ).
'手指' specifically refers to fingers; for toes, you would use '脚趾' (jiǎozhǐ).
'手指' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing anatomy.
