指示

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指示 [2025/08/12 01:28] – created xiaoer指示 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== zhǐshì: 指示 - Instruction, Directive, Indication ====== +
-===== Quick Summary ===== +
-  * **Keywords:** zhishi, 指示, zhishi meaning, Chinese for instruction, Chinese for directive, indicate in Chinese, formal instruction, workplace Chinese, HSK 5 vocabulary, what does zhishi mean +
-  * **Summary:** The Chinese word **指示 (zhǐshì)** translates to "instruction," "directive," or "indication." It's a formal term used in hierarchical contexts like the workplace, government, or military, signifying a top-down order or a formal sign. Understanding **指示** is key to navigating formal communication in China and recognizing the difference between a command and a simple suggestion. +
-===== Core Meaning ===== +
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zhǐshì +
-  * **Part of Speech:** Noun, Verb +
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 +
-  * **Concise Definition:** To give a formal instruction or directive; an official instruction, directive, or indication. +
-  * **In a Nutshell:** Think of **指示 (zhǐshì)** as a "directive" from someone with authority—a boss, a government official, or a senior leader. It's not a casual suggestion you can ignore; it's a formal instruction that you are expected to follow. It can also refer to a formal, non-personal indication, like a light on a machine or a symbol on a map. +
-===== Character Breakdown ===== +
-  * **指 (zhǐ):** This character means "to point" or "finger." It's composed of the "hand" radical (手) on the left and a phonetic component 旨 on the right. Imagine literally pointing your finger at something to single it out. +
-  * **示 (shì):** This character means "to show" or "to reveal." It originally depicted an altar, symbolizing a revelation or command from a higher power (like the heavens or an emperor). +
-  * **Together, 指示 (zhǐshì)** combines the act of "pointing" out a task with the authority of "showing" or "revealing" a command. This fusion creates a word that means much more than a simple "instruction"—it's a formal, authoritative directive. +
-===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== +
-In Chinese culture, which often has more clearly defined social and professional hierarchies, **指示 (zhǐshì)** plays a crucial role. It respects and reinforces the structure of authority. When a leader gives a **指示**, it is a clear exercise of their role, and a subordinate's duty is to accept and execute it. +
-This contrasts with Western business culture, which often emphasizes flat hierarchies and collaborative "suggestions" or "feedback." While an American boss might say, "Could you look into this for me?" as a polite way to give an order, the Chinese equivalent might be a direct **指示**. It's not seen as rude, but rather as clear and efficient communication within an established power structure. Receiving a **指示** confirms the roles within the hierarchy and is a normal part of professional life. It's about clarity and respect for the chain of command, not personal feelings. +
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== +
-**指示 (zhǐshì)** is most commonly encountered in three main areas: +
-  * **In the Workplace/Government:** This is its most frequent use. A manager gives **指示** to an employee, or a government agency issues a **指示** to the public or lower-level departments. It is always formal and top-down. +
-  * **As a Technical Indicator:** In a less personal context, **指示** can mean "to indicate" or "an indication." For example, a warning light on a car's dashboard or a status light on a computer. Here, the "authority" is the machine or the system itself. +
-  * **In Formal Instructions:** You might see it on public signs or in official documents, telling people what to do. For example, "请按箭头指示方向走" (Please follow the direction indicated by the arrow). +
-It is almost never used between friends, family (unless in a very traditional, patriarchal context), or people of equal status. Using it with a friend would sound bossy and bizarre. +
-===== Example Sentences ===== +
-  * **Example 1:**  +
-    * 老板给了我一个非常明确的**指示**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Lǎobǎn gěi le wǒ yī ge fēicháng míngquè de **zhǐshì**. +
-    * English: The boss gave me a very clear instruction. +
-    * Analysis: This is a classic workplace example. The word **指示** is used as a noun, highlighting the formal, top-down nature of the communication from a superior. +
-  * **Example 2:**  +
-    * 请**指示**我们下一步该怎么做。 +
-    * Pinyin: Qǐng **zhǐshì** wǒmen xià yībù gāi zěnme zuò. +
-    * English: Please instruct us on what to do next. +
-    * Analysis: Here, **指示** is used as a verb. This is a very respectful way for a subordinate to ask a leader for direction, showing deference to their authority. +
-  * **Example 3:**  +
-    * 政府下达了关于疫情防控的新**指示**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ xiàdá le guānyú yìqíng fángkòng de xīn **zhǐshì**. +
-    * English: The government issued a new directive regarding epidemic prevention and control. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence shows the use of **指示** in a government context. The verb **下达 (xiàdá)**, meaning "to issue" or "to transmit downwards," often accompanies **指示**. +
-  * **Example 4:**  +
-    * 仪表盘上的红灯**指示**发动机有问题。 +
-    * Pinyin: Yíbiǎopán shàng de hóng dēng **zhǐshì** fādòngjī yǒu wèntí. +
-    * English: The red light on the dashboard indicates that there is a problem with the engine. +
-    * Analysis: This demonstrates the technical, non-personal meaning of **指示**. It's a formal way of saying "shows" or "indicates" for a sign or signal. +
-  * **Example 5:**  +
-    * 我们必须严格遵守上级的**指示**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū yángé zūnshǒu shàngjí de **zhǐshì**. +
-    * English: We must strictly follow the instructions from our superiors. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the obligatory nature of a **指示**. The phrase **严格遵守 (yángé zūnshǒu)**, "to strictly comply with," is often paired with it. +
-  * **Example 6:**  +
-    * 地图上的箭头**指示**了最近的出口。 +
-    * Pinyin: Dìtú shàng de jiàntóu **zhǐshì** le zuìjìn de chūkǒu. +
-    * English: The arrow on the map indicated the nearest exit. +
-    * Analysis: Similar to the dashboard example, this shows **指示** used as a verb for inanimate objects providing formal guidance. +
-  * **Example 7:**  +
-    * 收到**指示**后，他立刻开始行动。 +
-    * Pinyin: Shōudào **zhǐshì** hòu, tā lìkè kāishǐ xíngdòng. +
-    * English: After receiving the directive, he immediately took action. +
-    * Analysis: This highlights the expected response to a **指示**: prompt action. The term implies urgency and importance. +
-  * **Example 8:**  +
-    * 这次任务没有具体**指示**，我们只能自己决定。 +
-    * Pinyin: Zhè cì rènwù méiyǒu jùtǐ **zhǐshì**, wǒmen zhǐ néng zìjǐ juédìng. +
-    * English: There were no specific instructions for this mission; we can only decide for ourselves. +
-    * Analysis: The absence of a **指示** creates a situation of uncertainty or, alternatively, autonomy. It shows how central it is to formal processes. +
-  * **Example 9:**  +
-    * 他正在等待总部的进一步**指示**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā zhèngzài děngdài zǒngbù de jìnyībù **zhǐshì**. +
-    * English: He is awaiting further instructions from headquarters. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence shows **指示** used in a corporate or military context. **进一步 (jìnyībù)** means "further," implying a sequence of instructions. +
-  * **Example 10:**  +
-    * 请按照屏幕上的**指示**操作。 +
-    * Pinyin: Qǐng ànzhào píngmù shàng de **zhǐshì** cāozuò. +
-    * English: Please operate according to the instructions on the screen. +
-    * Analysis: A common phrase used in software, ATMs, or any automated system. Here, the "authority" is the system's programming. **按照 (ànzhào)** means "according to." +
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== +
-  * **Don't use it for suggestions:** The most common mistake is using **指示** for a friendly suggestion. If your friend tells you to try a restaurant, they are giving you a [[建议]] (jiànyì), not a **指示**. Saying "My friend **指示** me..." would sound very strange, as if your friend is a military commander. +
-    * **Incorrect:** 我的朋友**指示**我去看这部电影。 (Wǒ de péngyou **zhǐshì** wǒ qù kàn zhè bù diànyǐng.) +
-    * **Correct:** 我的朋友**建议**我去看这部电影。 (Wǒ de péngyou **jiànyì** wǒ qù kàn zhè bù diànyǐng.) +
-  * **"Instruction" vs. "指示":** Be careful with the English word "instruction." "Baking instructions" on a box would be [[说明]] (shuōmíng), not **指示**. **指示** is about a command or directive from an authority, not a neutral set of steps. +
-  * **Authority is Key:** The use of **指示** always implies a power dynamic or a source of formal authority (a person, a government, a system). If there's no clear hierarchy, another word is almost always better. +
-===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== +
-  * [[命令]] (mìnglìng) - An order, a command. This is even stronger and more absolute than **指示**, often used in a military or emergency context. A **命令** is non-negotiable. +
-  * [[指导]] (zhǐdǎo) - To guide, guidance. Softer than **指示**, this implies mentorship and teaching. A professor provides **指导** to a student on their thesis. +
-  * [[建议]] (jiànyì) - Suggestion, recommendation. Used between peers or from a subordinate to a superior. It carries no obligation. +
-  * [[安排]] (ānpái) - To arrange, arrangement. Refers to planning and logistics, often done collaboratively. A boss might **安排** a meeting. +
-  * [[通知]] (tōngzhī) - Notification, to inform. This is about delivering information, not an instruction to act. For example, a notice about a holiday schedule. +
-  * [[说明]] (shuōmíng) - Explanation, instructions (in a manual). This details //how// to do something or explains a situation. For example, a product's user manual (使用说明书). +
-  * [[规定]] (guīdìng) - Regulation, rule. A standing rule or policy that must be followed by everyone, not a one-time instruction for a specific task.+