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指标 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
指标zhǐbiāotargetHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāoquotaHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāoindexHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāoindicatorHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāosignHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāosignpostHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāo(computing) pointerHSK 7, n, rank #16563, Hard
指标zhǐbiāo(production) targetHSK 7, unknown, rank #16563, Hard
zhǐbiāo(zhi3biao1) T3
  1. 1target
  2. 2quota
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
指标(指標)zhǐbiāo(zhi3biao1)

指标 (zhǐbiāo) refers to a target or standard used as a measure of performance or achievement. It is commonly used in business, economics, and various fields to indicate specific goals or benchmarks that need to be met.

Frequency#16563DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese business culture, having clear 指标 is crucial for measuring success and accountability. Companies often emphasize these indicators in performance reviews and strategic planning.

Memory Tip

Imagine a dartboard (指) with a clear target (标) at its center. The character 指 can remind you of pointing at the target, while 标 resembles a signpost guiding you toward your goal. Together, they form an image of aiming for a specific outcome.

Meanings of 指标

zhǐbiāo(zhi3biao1)
1target
2quota
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 指标

指标Simplified
指標Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16563Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3BCTCEFRB2

Podcast: 指标

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Podcast: 指标

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AI Study Notes for 指标

Quick Contrast

目标 (mùbiāo) vs 指标 (zhǐbiāo): Use 目标 when referring to a broader aim or goal, while 指标 specifically denotes a quantifiable standard for measurement.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a dartboard (指) with a clear target (标) at its center. The character 指 can remind you of pointing at the target, while 标 resembles a signpost guiding you toward your goal. Together, they form an image of aiming for a specific outcome.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in reports or discussions about performance metrics. Common collocations include '销售指标' (sales target) and '绩效指标' (performance indicators). Be careful with the tone; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 指标 connects to other terms related to measurement and performance, such as 目标 (mùbiāo, goal) and 计划 (jìhuà, plan). Students should focus on understanding its application in various professional contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese business culture, having clear 指标 is crucial for measuring success and accountability. Companies often emphasize these indicators in performance reviews and strategic planning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 指标 with 目标, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的指标是增加销售' (My target is to increase sales) should correctly use 目标, as 指标 refers to the measure rather than the goal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 指标

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Component Characters

zhǐfinger
HSK 49 strokes
View full entry
biāothe topmost branches of a tree
HSK 79 strokes
View full entry

Write 指标

Practice writing 指标 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 指标

指标 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 8 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

经济____比预期的好。

The economic indicators are better than expected.

Example Sentences for 指标 (2)

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1
经济指标比预期的好。

jīng jì zhǐ biāo bǐ yù qī de hǎo。

The economic indicators are better than expected.
2
钢产量去年指标定为六万吨.

gāng chǎn liáng qù nián zhǐ biāo dìng wéi liù wàn dūn.

Steel production was targeted for 60,000 tons last year.
Exercise 1 of 1

Reorder the Sentence

The economic indicators are better than expected.

Tap tokens to build the sentence

Cultural Notes for 指标

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese business culture, having clear 指标 is crucial for measuring success and accountability. Companies often emphasize these indicators in performance reviews and strategic planning.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, performance indicators are also important, but the emphasis on rigid quotas may vary; many Western firms focus more on flexibility and adaptability than strictly adhering to set indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions about 指标

指标 refers to specific measurable indicators or standards, while 目标 is a broader term for goals or objectives.