zhǐshì: 指示 - Instruction, Directive, Indication

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 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.”

• 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.

• 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.