How common it is
指 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say zhǐ slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
指表示用手指向，也可表示说明。
zhǐ biǎo shì yòng shǒu zhǐ xiàng， yě kě biǎo shì shuō míng。
指 means to point with a finger, and can also mean to indicate.
Context note
指常用于动作、说明和方向。
zhǐ cháng yòng yú dòng zuò 、 shuō míng hé fāng xiàng。
指 is often used with actions, explanation, and direction.
5 examples
他指着门。
tā zhǐ zhe mén。
He pointed at the door.
老师指了指黑板。
lǎo shī zhǐ le zhǐ hēi bǎn。
The teacher pointed at the blackboard.
这句话指什么？
zhè jù huà zhǐ shén me？
What does this sentence refer to?
请指出答案。
qǐng zhǐ chū dá àn。
Please point out the answer.
手指很重要。
shǒu zhǐ hěn zhòng yào。
Fingers are important.
5 mini stories
他指着地图给我们看。
tā zhǐ zhe dì tú gěi wǒ men kàn。
He pointed at the map and showed us.
老师指着图说故事。
lǎo shī zhǐ zhe tú shuō gù shì。
The teacher pointed at the picture and told the story.
不要乱指别人。
bú yào luàn zhǐ bié rén。
Do not point at others carelessly.
她用手指指向前方。
tā yòng shǒu zhǐ zhǐ xiàng qián fāng。
She pointed forward with her finger.
这个词指的是原因。
zhè ge cí zhǐ de shì yuán yīn。
This word refers to the reason.