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指挥 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
指挥
zhǐhuī
to conduct
HSK 6, v, 18 strokes, rank #2667, Hard
指挥
zhǐhuī
to command
HSK 6, v, 18 strokes, rank #2667, Hard
指挥
zhǐhuī
to direct
HSK 6, v, 18 strokes, rank #2667, Hard
指挥
zhǐhuī
conductor (of an orchestra)
HSK 6, v, 18 strokes, rank #2667, Hard
zhǐhuī(zhi3hui1)zhi hui T3
1to conduct
2to command
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March 24, 2026
指挥(指揮)zhǐhuī(zhi3hui1)
The verb 指挥 (zhǐ huī) means to conduct, command, or direct, often used in contexts like leading an orchestra or managing a group. It implies a position of authority where one directs actions or performances, highlighting leadership and coordination skills. This term is commonly used in both artistic and organizational settings.
Strokes18Frequency#2667DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the role of a conductor is highly respected, symbolizing not just musical talent but also the ability to unify and lead a team. This reflects the importance placed on harmony and collective effort in Chinese society.
Memory tip
Imagine a conductor with a baton, pointing (指) and commanding (挥) the orchestra to create beautiful music. The character 指 (zhǐ) looks like a hand pointing, while 执 (huī) resembles the motion of waving a baton, reinforcing the meaning of directing.
Meanings of 指挥
zhǐhuī(zhi3hui1)
1to conduct
2to command
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 指挥 means.
About 指挥
指挥Simplified
指揮Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2667Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 指挥
Podcast: 指挥
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AI study notes for 指挥
Quick Contrast
指挥 (zhǐhuī) vs 管理 (guǎnlǐ) — use 指挥 when emphasizing conducting or directing performances, while 管理 focuses on managing or overseeing operations.
Usage Notes
指挥 is often used in formal contexts, such as in orchestras or military commands. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar verbs; ensure you use it specifically for scenarios involving leadership or direction. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing it, as mispronouncing the first tone can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 指挥 connects with other verbs related to leadership and management, like 领导 (lǐng dǎo, to lead) or 管理 (guǎn lǐ, to manage). Students should focus on its usage in both musical and organizational contexts to grasp its full range.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 指挥 with 指示 (zhǐ shì, to indicate), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我指挥他去做作业' (I command him to do homework) should be corrected to '我让他去做作业' (I let him do homework) when implying a more casual direction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 指挥
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Knowing 指挥 is seven skills, not one.
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.
The verb 指挥 (zhǐ huī) means to conduct, command, or direct, often used in contexts like leading an orchestra or managing a group. It implies a position of authority where one directs actions or performances, highlighting leadership and coordination skills. This term is commonly used in both artistic and organizational settings.
When to use 指挥
指挥 is often used in formal contexts, such as in orchestras or military commands. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar verbs; ensure you use it specifically for scenarios involving leadership or direction. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing it, as mispronouncing the first tone can change its meaning.
指挥 or something close to it
指挥 (zhǐhuī) vs 管理 (guǎnlǐ) — use 指挥 when emphasizing conducting or directing performances, while 管理 focuses on managing or overseeing operations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 指挥 with 指示 (zhǐ shì, to indicate), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我指挥他去做作业' (I command him to do homework) should be corrected to '我让他去做作业' (I let him do homework) when implying a more casual direction.
Write 指挥
指
挥
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Grammar patterns of 指挥
指挥 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他得到____官的许可来与我会合。
He got permission from his commanding officer to join me.
Example sentences for 指挥 (15)
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1
他得到指挥官的许可来与我会合。
tā dédào zhǐhuī guān de xǔkě lái yǔ wǒ huì gě。
He got permission from his commanding officer to join me.
