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March 24, 2026
指定zhǐdìng(zhi3ding4)
指定 (zhǐ dìng) means to appoint or assign someone to a specific role or task. It can also imply indicating something clearly and with certainty, often used in formal contexts such as job assignments, responsibilities, or official statements.
Frequency#5353DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese organizations and bureaucracies, the practice of 指定 is common, reflecting a hierarchical structure where roles are explicitly assigned, showcasing the importance of clarity in responsibilities and authority.
Memory Tip
Think of 指 (zhǐ) as a finger pointing to something, which represents 'indicating,' and 定 (dìng) as a solid, fixed object. Together, they convey the idea of clearly pointing to a designated role or task, making it memorable as 'pointing to what is fixed or appointed.'
Meanings of 指定
zhǐdìng(zhi3ding4)
1to appoint
2to assign
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About 指定
指定Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5353Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 指定
Podcast: 指定
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AI Study Notes for 指定
Quick Contrast
指定 (zhǐdìng) vs 确定 (quèdìng) — choose 指定 when referring to the act of appointing or assigning, while 确定 is used for confirming or establishing certainty.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 指 (zhǐ) as a finger pointing to something, which represents 'indicating,' and 定 (dìng) as a solid, fixed object. Together, they convey the idea of clearly pointing to a designated role or task, making it memorable as 'pointing to what is fixed or appointed.'
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone of the characters; a common mistake is mispronouncing 定 (dìng) as dīng, which alters the meaning. This term is more formal, so it's best used in professional or official communications rather than casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 指定 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to roles and responsibilities. Focus on understanding how it is used in various contexts, especially in legal, business, and bureaucratic language, to enhance your comprehension and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese organizations and bureaucracies, the practice of 指定 is common, reflecting a hierarchical structure where roles are explicitly assigned, showcasing the importance of clarity in responsibilities and authority.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 指定 with other similar terms like 指示 (zhǐ shì), which means to instruct or indicate without the appointing nuance. For example, saying '我指定他为经理' (Wǒ zhǐ dìng tā wéi jīnglǐ) is correct, while confusing it with '我指示他为经理' (Wǒ zhǐ shì tā wéi jīnglǐ) would be incorrect, as it changes the meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 指定
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Grammar Patterns of 指定
指定 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
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Cultural Notes for 指定
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese organizations and bureaucracies, the practice of 指定 is common, reflecting a hierarchical structure where roles are explicitly assigned, showcasing the importance of clarity in responsibilities and authority.
Frequently Asked Questions about 指定
While it can be used in everyday conversation, it is more appropriate in formal contexts such as workplaces or official documents.
指定 focuses on the act of appointing or indicating clearly, while 任命 specifically means to appoint to a position, often in a more official or ceremonial context.
