指数

• Pinyin: zhǐ shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 指 = 扌 (hand) + 旨 (purpose); 数 = 娄 (phonetic) + 攵 (action)

Meaning

Index; indicator; a numerical measure of change or level in economics, statistics, or mathematics.

Refers to numerical indicators used to measure changes in economics (stock index, CPI), mathematics (exponent), or general statistics. Common combinations include 股票指数 (stock index), 物价指数 (price index), 幸福指数 (happiness index).

Examples

1. 上证指数今日收盘上涨了百分之二点三。 The Shanghai Composite Index closed up 2.3 percent today.
2. 空气质量指数显示今天的PM2.5浓度超标。 The air quality index shows that today's PM2.5 concentration exceeds the standard.
3. 调查显示，这座城市的居民幸福指数在全国排名前列。 Surveys show that residents' happiness index in this city ranks among the top in the country.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, statistics, economics

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 今天的股市指数怎么样？(How is today's stock market index?)
• 消费者信心指数下降了。(The consumer confidence index has dropped.)

Don't Say

• 我的指数很高。(Vague — specify which index you're referring to)

Origin & History

Compound of 指 (point, indicate) and 数 (number). Together they refer to a number that indicates or measures something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal