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指数 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
指数zhǐshù(numerical, statistical) indexHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #8927, Very Hard
指数zhǐshù(math.) exponentHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #8927, Very Hard
指数zhǐshùindexHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #8927, Very Hard
指数zhǐshùexponential (function, growth)HSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #8927, Very Hard
zhǐshù(zhi3shu4)zhi shu T3
  1. 1(numerical, statistical) index
  2. 2(math.) exponent
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March 24, 2026

指数(指數)zhǐshù(zhi3shu4)

指数 refers to a mathematical term meaning 'exponent,' which indicates the power to which a number is raised. It is also used in statistics to represent an index, such as a price index or growth index, that measures changes in data over time. Commonly, it appears in discussions related to mathematics, finance, and economics.

Strokes22Frequency#8927DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese economic discussions, indices like the 'CPI指数' (Consumer Price Index) are crucial for understanding inflation and purchasing power, reflecting the importance of statistics in daily life.

Memory Tip

Think of 指 as a finger pointing (as in pointing to a specific number) and 数 as numbers. Together, 指数 can be remembered as 'pointing to numbers' that show growth, like a rising graph. Imagine a finger (指) pushing up an index (数) to a higher level.

Meanings of 指数

zhǐshù(zhi3shu4)
1(numerical, statistical) index
2(math.) exponent
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 指数

指数Simplified
指數Traditional
22Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 指数

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AI Study Notes for 指数

Quick Contrast

指数 (zhǐshù) vs 指标 (zhǐbiāo) — use 指数 for mathematical exponents or statistical indices, while 指标 refers to specific indicators or benchmarks.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 指数, especially the third tone (指) followed by the fourth tone (数). It's commonly used in mathematical and financial contexts, so it's best suited for formal discussions. A common collocation is '增长指数' (growth index).

HSK Study Tips

Although 指数 is not an HSK word, it can be useful for students at HSK Level 4 and above who study mathematics or economics. Focus on its usage in contexts involving data analysis or financial reports to enhance understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 指数 with other mathematical terms like 比例 (ratio) or 级数 (series). For example, saying '我在学习比例' (I am studying ratio) when they mean '指数' shows a misunderstanding of the term's specific use in relation to exponents.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 指数

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Component Characters

指zhǐfinger
HSK 49 strokes扌
View full entry
数shùnumber
HSK 413 strokes攵
View full entry

How to say (numerical, statistical) index in Chinese

“(numerical, statistical) index” in Chinese is指数zhǐshù

指数 refers to a mathematical term meaning 'exponent,' which indicates the power to which a number is raised. It is also used in statistics to represent an index, such as a price index or growth index, that measures changes in data over time. Commonly, it appears in discussions related to mathematics, finance, and economics.

When to use 指数

Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 指数, especially the third tone (指) followed by the fourth tone (数). It's commonly used in mathematical and financial contexts, so it's best suited for formal discussions. A common collocation is '增长指数' (growth index).

指数 or something close to it

指数 (zhǐshù) vs 指标 (zhǐbiāo) — use 指数 for mathematical exponents or statistical indices, while 指标 refers to specific indicators or benchmarks.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 指数 with other mathematical terms like 比例 (ratio) or 级数 (series). For example, saying '我在学习比例' (I am studying ratio) when they mean '指数' shows a misunderstanding of the term's specific use in relation to exponents.

Write 指数

指
数

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Frequently Asked Questions about 指数

It's pronounced 'zhǐ shù', with the first character in the third tone and the second character in the fourth tone.

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