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指示 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
指示zhǐshìto point outHSK 6, v, rank #3534, Hard
指示zhǐshìto indicateHSK 6, v, rank #3534, Hard
指示zhǐshìto instructHSK 6, v, rank #3534, Hard
指示zhǐshìdirectivesHSK 6, v, rank #3534, Hard
指示zhǐshìinstructionsHSK 6, v, rank #3534, Hard
指示zhǐshì>个[gè]HSK 6, v, rank #3534, Hard
zhǐshì(zhi3shi4) T3
  1. 1to point out
  2. 2to indicate
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March 24, 2026
指示zhǐshì(zhi3shi4)

The term '指示' (zhǐshì) means to point out or indicate something, often used in contexts where instructions or directives are given. It is commonly employed in formal settings, such as meetings or written communications, to guide actions or clarify information.

Frequency#3534DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, clear directives are often valued in hierarchical structures, such as in workplaces or family settings, where respect for authority is emphasized. '指示' reflects this cultural norm of clear communication.

Memory Tip

Imagine a teacher (指) pointing with a finger (示) at a map to indicate the way to a treasure. The finger (指) symbolizes the act of pointing, while the treasure hunt signifies the importance of clear instructions.

Meanings of 指示

zhǐshì(zhi3shi4)
1to point out
2to indicate
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 指示

指示Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3534Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 指示

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Podcast: 指示

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AI Study Notes for 指示

Quick Contrast

指点 (zhǐdiǎn) - use '指示' when the emphasis is on formal instructions, while '指点' is more informal and often implies guidance or advice.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a teacher (指) pointing with a finger (示) at a map to indicate the way to a treasure. The finger (指) symbolizes the act of pointing, while the treasure hunt signifies the importance of clear instructions.

Usage Notes

'指示' is often used in formal contexts, so it's important to avoid using it in casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with '指点' (zhǐdiǎn), which is more about giving tips or directions rather than formal instructions.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 level word, '指示' connects with other advanced vocabulary related to communication and instruction. Students should focus on its usage in formal contexts and practice using it in sentences that require authority or clarity.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, clear directives are often valued in hierarchical structures, such as in workplaces or family settings, where respect for authority is emphasized. '指示' reflects this cultural norm of clear communication.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse '指示' in informal contexts, leading to awkward sentences. For example, saying '我指示你去商店' (Wǒ zhǐshì nǐ qù shāngdiàn) is incorrect; a better choice would be '我建议你去商店' (Wǒ jiànyì nǐ qù shāngdiàn) meaning 'I suggest you go to the store.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 指示

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Component Characters

指zhǐfinger
HSK 49 strokes扌
View full entry
示shìto show
5 strokes示
View full entry

Write 指示

指
示

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

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Grammar Patterns of 指示

指示 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 6 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.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他____马蒂尔达的遗体必须葬在家族墓穴里。

He ordered that Matilda's body should be buried in the family vault.

Example Sentences for 指示 (10)

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1
他指示马蒂尔达的遗体必须葬在家族墓穴里。

tā zhǐ shì mǎ dì ěr dá de yí tǐ bì xū zàng zài jiā zú mù xué lǐ。

He ordered that Matilda's body should be buried in the family vault.
2
所有的指示标志和公告都被译成了英语和西班牙语。

suǒ yǒu de zhǐ shì biāo zhì hé gōng gào dū bèi yì chéng le yīng yǔ hé xī bān yá yǔ。

All the signs and announcements were rendered in English and Spanish.
3
仔细听指示，并记录下来。

zī xì tīng zhǐ shì， ， bìng jì lù xià。

Listen carefully to the instructions and jot them down.
4
老仆人履行了其主人要他照料孩子的指示.

lǎo pū rén lǚ háng le qí zhǔ rén yào tā zhào liào hái zǐ de zhǐ shì.

The old servant fulfilled his master's charge to care for the children.
5
以上意见妥否,请指示.

yǐ shàng yì jiàn tuǒ fǒu, , qǐng zhǐ.

Please indicate whether you consider the above views sound or not.
6
他用一截粉笔将她的指示写在黑板上。

tā yòng yī jié fěn bǐ jiāng tā de zhǐ shì xiě zài hēi bǎn shàng。

With a stick of chalk he wrote her order on a blackboard.
7
最后一天，队里的指示就是不惜一切代价实现零的突破。

zuì hòu yī tiān， ， duì lǐ de zhǐ shì jiù shì bù xī yī qiē dài jià shí xiàn líng de tū。

Team orders on the final day were to avoid the dreaded blank at all costs.
8
对于这种情况, 外框或角上的调节大小指示器更实用.

duì yú zhè zhǒng qíng kuàng, , wài kuàng huò jiǎo shàng de tiáo jié dà xiǎo zhǐ shì qì gēng shí.

For that situation, frame or corner resizers are better idioms.
9
光指示器经常与幻灯片放映机一起使用.

guāng zhǐ shì qì jīng cháng yǔ huàn dēng piàn fàng yìng jī yī qǐ shǐ yòng.

A light pointer is often useful with a slide projector.
10
我尽量弄明白他草草写在一片纸上的指示。

wǒ jìn liáng nòng míng bái tā cǎo cǎo xiě zài yī piàn zhǐ shàng de zhǐ shì。

I tried to read his directions, scrawled on a piece of paper.

Cultural Notes for 指示

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, clear directives are often valued in hierarchical structures, such as in workplaces or family settings, where respect for authority is emphasized. '指示' reflects this cultural norm of clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions about 指示

'指示' is typically used in formal contexts, so it may sound out of place in casual conversations.