指标

• Pinyin: zhǐ biāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 指 = 扌(hand) + 旨 (purpose), meaning to point; 标 = 木 (wood) + 票 (ticket), meaning mark

Meaning

Index; indicator; target; quota. A measurable standard or goal used to evaluate performance.

Used in business, economics, and planning contexts. Common phrases: 经济指标 (economic indicators), 完成指标 (meet targets), 考核指标 (evaluation criteria). Important in Chinese organizational culture.

Examples

1. 今年公司的销售指标提高了百分之十五。 The company's sales target this year increased by fifteen percent.
2. 空气质量指数是衡量环境的重要指标。 Air quality index is an important indicator for measuring the environment.
3. 团队需要在年底前完成所有考核指标。 The team needs to complete all evaluation targets before the end of the year.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economics, management

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这个指标很难完成。(This target is hard to achieve.)
• 各项指标都达标了。(All indicators have met the standard.)

Don't Say

• 幸福的指标 (指标 is for measurable metrics — for abstract concepts, use 标准 or 衡量)

Origin & History

Compound of 指 (to point) and 标 (mark, standard). A marked standard/target.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal