The word 指引 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core action to create a unified concept. The first character, 指 (zhǐ), carries the meaning of "to point" or "to indicate", visually and conceptually suggesting the act of directing attention toward something. The second character, 引 (yǐn), means "to lead" or "to guide", implying the action of pulling or showing the way forward. When joined, they form a compound where 指 provides the initial act of identifying a direction or target, and 引 adds the subsequent action of moving or conducting someone toward it, resulting in the complete meaning of "to guide" or "to point the way".