Common Meanings
1
zhǐ指
A digit of the hand or foot; finger; toe.
她的手指很修长，指甲也修剪得很整齐。
Her fingers are long and slender, and her nails are neatly trimmed.
Used as a classifier to denote the width of a finger, often describing a small amount or thickness.
这块木板厚约两指。
This piece of wood is about two fingers thick.
To point at or towards (with a finger or the tip of an object).
他指着远方的那座山。
He pointed at the mountain in the distance.
To point out, indicate, guide, direct, or accuse; often used in contexts of providing direction, correction, or making an accusation.
老师会指引我们找到解决问题的方法。
The teacher will guide us to find a solution to the problem.
To stand upright or bristle, often used in the idiom '发指' (fà zhǐ) to describe hair standing on end due to extreme anger or outrage.
他的贪婪行径，真是令人发指。
His greedy actions are truly outrageous.
to point at; to indicate; to refer to; to designate
请你指定一个负责人。
Please designate a person in charge.
Refers to '旨' (zhǐ), meaning purpose, aim, or gist.
此话有所指，并非随意而言。
These words have a specific purpose; they were not said casually.