指示

• Pinyin: zhǐ shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 指 = 扌 (hand) + 旨 (purpose) — to point; 示 = 二 + 小 — to show, indicate

Meaning

Instruction; directive; to instruct. Official guidance or orders from a superior, or the act of giving such directions.

As a noun, refers to instructions or directives from authority figures. As a verb, means to instruct or direct. Common in workplace and governmental contexts. Also used for indicator lights: 指示灯 (indicator light).

Examples

1. 请按照领导的指示去做。 Please act according to the leader's instructions.
2. 他指示我们明天开会。 He instructed us to have a meeting tomorrow.
3. 仪表盘上的指示灯亮了。 The indicator light on the dashboard lit up.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, government, instruction

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 等待上级指示。(Wait for instructions from superiors.)
• 他指示我们这样做。(He instructed us to do it this way.)

Don't Say

• 说'指示朋友怎么走'表示给路指引 (Don't use 指示 for casual directions to friends — use 告诉 or 指路; 指示 implies authority)

Origin & History

指 (finger, to point) + 示 (to show, to indicate). Together meaning to point out or show directions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal