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指令 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
指令
zhǐlìng
order
HSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #4030, Very Hard
指令
zhǐlìng
command
HSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #4030, Very Hard
指令
zhǐlìng
instruction
HSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #4030, Very Hard
zhǐlìng(zhi3ling4)zhi ling T3
1order
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
Podcast: 指令
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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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.
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
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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 (12)
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1
不容置疑的事实是，电脑执行逻辑操作指令。
bùróng zhì yí de shìshí shì， diànnǎo zhíxíng luójí cāozuò zhǐlìng。
The indisputable fact is that computers carry out logical operations.
