指定

• Pinyin: zhǐ dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 指 = 扌 (hand) + 旨 (purpose); 定 = 宀 (roof) + 正 (correct)

Meaning

To designate; to appoint; to specify.

Refers to officially appointing someone or something for a particular purpose, or specifying conditions or requirements. Often used in formal, legal, or organizational contexts. Can be used as a verb or adjective (指定的 = designated).

Examples

1. 公司指定他为这个项目的负责人。 The company designated him as the person in charge of this project.
2. 请按照合同指定的时间和地点交货。 Please deliver according to the time and place specified in the contract.
3. 这家医院是政府指定的新冠疫苗接种点。 This hospital is a government-designated COVID-19 vaccination site.

Usage Guide

Context: business, legal, official

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 请到指定地点集合。(Please gather at the designated location.)
• 他被指定为继承人。(He was designated as the heir.)

Don't Say

• 我指定了吃什么。(Too formal — use 决定 or 选 for casual choices)

Origin & History

Compound of 指 (point, indicate) and 定 (fix, determine). Together they mean to point out and fix upon something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal