Meanings of 手指
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Podcast: 手指
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AI Study Notes for 手指
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 手指
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Learning Lab
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say finger in Chinese
“finger” in Chinese is手指
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
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Practice writing 手指 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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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Frequently Asked Questions about 手指
The word for 'thumb' in Mandarin is '拇指' (mǔzhǐ).
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