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March 24, 2026
手指shǒuzhǐ(shou3zhi3)
手指 (shǒuzhǐ) means 'finger' in Mandarin and is used to refer to the digits on the human hand. It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and medical contexts when discussing anatomy or injuries. The term can also be used figuratively to indicate pointing or directing attention.
Strokes13Frequency#2413DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, fingers are often associated with various organs and health conditions, with each finger corresponding to specific meridians. This connection is significant in practices like acupuncture.
Memory Tip
Think of '手' (shǒu) meaning 'hand' and '指' (zhǐ) meaning 'to point'. Imagine a hand with fingers pointing towards something important, like a treasure map, helping you remember that '手指' is all about fingers.
Meanings of 手指
shǒuzhǐ(shou3zhi3)
1finger
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 手指
手指Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2413Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 手指
Podcast: 手指
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AI Study Notes for 手指
Quick Contrast
指 (zhǐ) vs 手指 (shǒuzhǐ): Use 手指 when specifically referring to 'finger' as a digit on the hand, while 指 can refer to 'to point' or 'finger' in a more general sense.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to use '手指' in a context where '指头' (zhǐtóu) might be more appropriate, as '指头' can sound more casual. In formal writing, use '手指' when discussing anatomy, while '指头' can be used in informal settings. Be mindful of tone; '指' (zhǐ) uses the third tone, which can be tricky for learners.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '手指' is a good example of how compound words function in Mandarin. Students should practice the character components and their meanings, as well as related vocabulary such as '手' (hand) and '指' (to point). Focus on pronunciation and the combined meanings of the characters.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '手指' with '指头' and use them interchangeably, which can lead to awkwardness in conversation. For example, saying '我受伤了我的手指' (Wǒ shòushāngle wǒ de shǒuzhǐ) is correct, but in casual conversation, '指头' might be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 手指
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手指 (shǒuzhǐ) means 'finger' in Mandarin and is used to refer to the digits on the human hand. It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and medical contexts when discussing anatomy or injuries. The term can also be used figuratively to indicate pointing or directing attention.
When to use 手指
A common mistake is to use '手指' in a context where '指头' (zhǐtóu) might be more appropriate, as '指头' can sound more casual. In formal writing, use '手指' when discussing anatomy, while '指头' can be used in informal settings. Be mindful of tone; '指' (zhǐ) uses the third tone, which can be tricky for learners.
手指 or something close to it
指 (zhǐ) vs 手指 (shǒuzhǐ): Use 手指 when specifically referring to 'finger' as a digit on the hand, while 指 can refer to 'to point' or 'finger' in a more general sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '手指' with '指头' and use them interchangeably, which can lead to awkwardness in conversation. For example, saying '我受伤了我的手指' (Wǒ shòushāngle wǒ de shǒuzhǐ) is correct, but in casual conversation, '指头' might be more appropriate.
Write 手指
手
指
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Grammar Patterns of 手指
手指 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
特迪用自己的粗____头捋了一下浓密蓬乱的头发。
Teddy ran thick fingers through his unruly thatch of hair.
Example Sentences for 手指 (10)
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1
特迪用自己的粗手指头捋了一下浓密蓬乱的头发。
tè dí yòng zì jǐ de cū shǒu zhǐ tóu luō le yī xià nóng mì péng luàn de tóu fā。
Teddy ran thick fingers through his unruly thatch of hair.
