指南

• Pinyin: zhǐ nán
• Hanzi breakdown: 指 = 扌+ 旨 (point); 南 = south (the reference direction in ancient China)

Meaning

A guide; a guidebook or manual. Something that provides direction or instruction for a particular subject.

Originally referred to the compass pointing south. Now commonly used for guidebooks and manuals: 旅游指南 (travel guide), 用户指南 (user guide), 生活指南 (lifestyle guide). Implies comprehensive, authoritative guidance.

Examples

1. 这本城市指南详细介绍了当地的景点、美食和交通。 This city guide provides detailed information on local attractions, food, and transportation.
2. 新员工入职时会收到一份详细的工作指南。 New employees receive a detailed work guide when they start.
3. 这部急救指南是每个家庭都应该备有的实用手册。 This first-aid guide is a practical handbook every household should have.

Usage Guide

Context: publishing, instruction, travel

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 请参阅用户指南了解产品的详细功能和操作方法。(Please refer to the user guide for detailed product features and operation methods.)
• 这本投资指南帮助新手了解市场基础知识。(This investment guide helps beginners understand basic market knowledge.)

Don't Say

• 他是我的人生指南 — for a person who guides, use 导师, 榜样, or 人生导师; 指南 refers to a book or document

Origin & History

指 (point to) + 南 (south) — originally the compass needle pointing south

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal