指南针

• 拼音: zhǐ nán zhēn
• 汉字拆解: 指南 = point south; 针 = 钅+ 十 (metal needle)

含义

A compass; a magnetic device that indicates direction. One of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China.

Both literal and figurative uses. Literally, the navigational instrument. Figuratively, something that provides moral or strategic direction: 道德指南针 (moral compass), 人生指南针 (life compass). A source of national pride as a Chinese invention.

例句

1. 古代航海家依靠指南针在茫茫大海中确定航向。
2. 指南针是中国古代四大发明之一，对世界航海史影响深远。
3. 良知是每个人心中的道德指南针，指引我们辨别是非。

用法指南

语境: navigation, history, figurative guidance

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 登山时务必携带指南针，以防在山林中迷失方向。(When climbing mountains, be sure to carry a compass to avoid losing your way in the forest.)
• 这位导师是我学术道路上的指南针，为我指明方向。(This mentor is the compass on my academic path, pointing me in the right direction.)

错误说法

• 我的手机有指南针功能所以不需要真的指南针 — while true, the sentence structure is awkward; use 手机上有指南针应用 for natural phrasing

起源与历史

指南 (point south) + 针 (needle) — a needle that points south

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal