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指

zhǐ
HSK 4
#261 most
frequent character
finger, to point at or to
noun
verb

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

指 combines 扌 hand with 旨 zhǐ, which supplies the sound. A hand is central to the first meaning, 'finger.' From there it grew to 'to point.'

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Example Sentences

她用手指指着桌子。
tā yòng shǒuzhǐ zhǐ zháo zhuōzǐ 。
She pointed at the table with her finger.
请指明你的意思。
qǐng zhǐmíng nǐde yìsī 。
Please indicate your meaning.
我相信他能指引我。
wǒ xiāngxìn tā néng zhǐyǐn wǒ 。
I believe he can guide me.

Words with similar meanings

指示zhǐshì
to indicate
More formal than '指', often used in contexts requiring clarification or guidance.
指引zhǐyǐn
to guide
Implies providing direction or helping someone find their way, adds a connotation of support.

Homophones

纸zhǐ
paper
止zhǐ
stop, only, just, till, to
旨zhǐ
imperial decree, purport, aim

Words Starting With 指

指导zhǐ dǎo
to guide; to give directions; to direct; to coach; guidance; tuition
指挥zhǐ huī
to conduct; to command; to direct; conductor (of an orchestra)
指令zhǐ lìng
order; command; instruction
指南针zhǐ nán zhēn
compass
指定zhǐ dìng
to appoint; to assign; to indicate clearly and with certainty; designated

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Public Lists with 指

Body Parts
Head, arms, legs, internal organs, and basic anatomy.
Common Communication Phrases
Polite expressions, apologies, congratulatory phrases, and casual chat.
HSK 4
All words for the HSK 4 test
Basic Verbs
Core action verbs like 'go,' 'come,' 'eat,' 'see,' commonly encountered in HSK.