About
The character "指" is structured from the hand radical (手/扌) combined with the component "旨", which originally conveyed the idea of intention or purpose, thereby creating a conceptual link between the physical hand and directed intention. This composition yields its core meaning related to pointing or indicating, both in a literal sense, as using a finger to show direction, and in a figurative sense, as signifying or referring to something. Over centuries, its application broadened from the simple act of pointing to encompass a range of associated meanings including instruction, designation, and criticism, as seen in terms for guiding or blaming, while the fundamental association with the finger as a body part remained constant. The traditional form of the character is identical to its modern standard form, preserving this phonetic and semantic construction without structural alteration through the process of simplification.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他的手指很长。
请按照指示操作。
老师指导我们学习。
他指出了我的错误。
会议指定在明天举行。
他不应该指责别人。
将军指挥士兵们战斗。
公司完成了年度经济指标。