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指令 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
指令zhǐlìngorderHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #4030, Very Hard
指令zhǐlìngcommandHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #4030, Very Hard
指令zhǐlìnginstructionHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #4030, Very Hard
zhǐlìng(zhi3ling4)zhi ling T3
  1. 1order
  2. 2command
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March 24, 2026

指令zhǐlìng(zhi3ling4)

指令 (zhǐlìng) refers to an order or command, often used in contexts such as military, computer programming, or formal instructions. It conveys a sense of authority and expectation for compliance, making it suitable in both professional and authoritative settings.

Strokes14Frequency#4030DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese workplaces, following指令 (zhǐlìng) from superiors is often seen as a professional duty, reflecting the hierarchical nature of many organizations. This contrasts with more egalitarian approaches in some Western offices, where collaboration may take precedence over strict adherence to orders.

Memory Tip

Imagine a general issuing a '指令' (zhǐlìng) to troops, where '指' (zhǐ) means to point, and '令' (lìng) suggests an order. Visualize the general pointing directly at his soldiers while giving them a clear command, reinforcing both meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 指令

zhǐlìng(zhi3ling4)
1order
2command
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 指令

指令Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4030Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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Podcast: 指令

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AI Study Notes for 指令

Quick Contrast

命令 (mìnglìng) vs 指示 (zhǐshì): Use 指令 (zhǐlìng) for formal orders, while 命令 (mìnglìng) emphasizes authoritative commands, and 指示 (zhǐshì) is more about giving instructions or guidance.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone; '指令' is pronounced with the third tone followed by the fourth tone, which can be tricky for learners. It is more formal than casual alternatives like '命令' (mìnglìng). Common collocations include '发出指令' (to issue an order) and '遵循指令' (to follow instructions).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, '指令' connects with other advanced vocabulary related to authority and governance. Focus on its usage in formal contexts, and practice with related terms like '命令' (command) and '指导' (guidance) to deepen comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '指令' with '指示' (zhǐshì), thinking they are interchangeable. However, '指示' usually refers to guidance or indication, while '指令' is a direct order. For example, saying '我给你一个指示' (I give you an instruction) should be corrected to '我给你一个指令' for an authoritative command.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 指令

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Component Characters

指zhǐfinger
HSK 49 strokes扌
View full entry
令lìngclassifier for a ream of paper
HSK 55 strokes人
View full entry

How to say order in Chinese

“order” in Chinese is指令zhǐlìng

指令 (zhǐlìng) refers to an order or command, often used in contexts such as military, computer programming, or formal instructions. It conveys a sense of authority and expectation for compliance, making it suitable in both professional and authoritative settings.

When to use 指令

Be cautious with the tone; '指令' is pronounced with the third tone followed by the fourth tone, which can be tricky for learners. It is more formal than casual alternatives like '命令' (mìnglìng). Common collocations include '发出指令' (to issue an order) and '遵循指令' (to follow instructions).

指令 or something close to it

命令 (mìnglìng) vs 指示 (zhǐshì): Use 指令 (zhǐlìng) for formal orders, while 命令 (mìnglìng) emphasizes authoritative commands, and 指示 (zhǐshì) is more about giving instructions or guidance.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '指令' with '指示' (zhǐshì), thinking they are interchangeable. However, '指示' usually refers to guidance or indication, while '指令' is a direct order. For example, saying '我给你一个指示' (I give you an instruction) should be corrected to '我给你一个指令' for an authoritative command.

Write 指令

指
令

Practice writing 指令 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 指令

指令 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). It carries 3 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.

不容置疑的事实是,电脑执行逻辑操作____。

The indisputable fact is that computers carry out logical operations.

Example Sentences for 指令 (6)

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1
不容置疑的事实是,电脑执行逻辑操作指令。

bù róng zhì yí de shì shí shì, , diàn nǎo zhí háng luó jí cāo zuò zhǐ。

The indisputable fact is that computers carry out logical operations.
2
劳驾你服从我要给出的指令好不好?

láo jià nǐ fú cóng wǒ yào gěi chū de zhǐ líng hǎo bù hǎo?

Will you kindly obey the instructions I am about to give?
3
遵照首相的明确指令,那艘船被击沉了。

zūn zhào shǒu xiāng de míng què zhǐ líng, , nà sōu chuán bèi jī chén。

The ship was sunk on express orders from the Prime Minister.
4
在企业内部,拒不服从指令的工人会面临遭解雇的威胁。

zài qǐ yè nèi bù, , jù bù fú cóng zhǐ líng de gōng rén huì miàn lín zāo jiě gù de wēi。

In industry, a worker who is grossly insubordinate is threatened with discharge.
5
警察双手握枪,厉声发出指令。

jǐng chá shuāng shǒu wò qiāng, , lì shēng fā chū zhǐ。

A policeman held his gun in both hands and barked an order.
6
根据欧盟的一项新指令,杀虫剂的标签标注将更加明确。

gēn jù ōu méng de yī xiàng xīn zhǐ líng, , shā chóng jì de biāo qiān biāo zhù jiāng gēng jiā míng。

Thanks to a new EU directive, insecticide labelling will be more specific.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 指令

It's generally used in formal contexts rather than casual conversation, where simpler terms would be more appropriate.

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