Meaning of 指挥
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to conduct
- to command
- to direct
- conductor (of an orchestra)
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 指挥
As a verb, 指挥 is used for directing people, traffic, troops, or an orchestra. As a noun, it means the person who conducts, especially an orchestra conductor. Example: 警察在路口指挥交通。(Jǐngchá zài lùkǒu zhǐhuī jiāotōng.) The police officer is directing traffic at the intersection.
指 (zhǐ) means to point with a finger, and 挥 (huī) means to wave or swing. Picture a conductor pointing and waving a baton, and you have 指挥 (zhǐhuī), to direct or command.
Common mistake: Learners often mix up 挥 (huī) with 辉 (huī, brightness) because they sound the same. 指挥 uses the hand radical 扌, since the action is done with the hands. Also keep 指 in third tone, zhǐ, not first tone zhī.
指挥 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
指 zhǐ · finger · 9 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
挥 huī · to wave · 9 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Related words
Words that share a character with 指挥.
| 手指 | shǒuzhǐ | finger |
| 指导 | zhǐdǎo | to guide; to direct; to instruct; coach; trainer |
| 指出 | zhǐchū | to indicate; to point out |
| 发挥 | fāhuī | to display; to exhibit |
| 指示 | zhǐshì | to point out; to indicate |
| 指责 | zhǐzé | to criticize; to find fault with |
| 指甲 | zhǐjia | fingernail |
| 指标 | zhǐbiāo | (production) target; quota; index; indicator |
| 指着 | zhǐzhe | |
| 指定 | zhǐdìng | to appoint; to assign |
| 指数 | zhǐshù | (numerical, statistical) index; (math.) exponent |
| 指头 | zhǐtou | finger; toe |
Questions about 指挥
What does 指挥 mean?
指挥 (zhǐhuī) means "to conduct; to command" and is used as a verb and noun.
How do you write 指挥?
指挥 is made of 2 characters: 指 (9 strokes), 挥 (9 strokes). That is 18 strokes in total.
Is 指挥 an HSK word?
Yes. 指挥 is on the HSK 4 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 指挥 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 指挥 is written 指揮.
What is the difference between 指挥 and 指导?
指挥 (zhǐhuī) means to command or direct people who carry out orders, like troops, traffic, or musicians. 指导 (zhǐdǎo) means to guide or instruct someone so they learn or improve, like a teacher or coach.
How do you say orchestra conductor in Chinese?
You can simply say 指挥 (zhǐhuī), or more fully 乐队指挥 (yuèduì zhǐhuī). For example, 他是一位有名的指挥。(Tā shì yí wèi yǒumíng de zhǐhuī.) He is a famous conductor.