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March 24, 2026
指数(指數)zhǐshù(zhi3shu4)
指数 refers to a mathematical term meaning 'exponent,' which indicates the power to which a number is raised. It is also used in statistics to represent an index, such as a price index or growth index, that measures changes in data over time. Commonly, it appears in discussions related to mathematics, finance, and economics.
Frequency#8927DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese economic discussions, indices like the 'CPI指数' (Consumer Price Index) are crucial for understanding inflation and purchasing power, reflecting the importance of statistics in daily life.
Memory Tip
Think of 指 as a finger pointing (as in pointing to a specific number) and 数 as numbers. Together, 指数 can be remembered as 'pointing to numbers' that show growth, like a rising graph. Imagine a finger (指) pushing up an index (数) to a higher level.
Meanings of 指数
zhǐshù(zhi3shu4)
1(numerical, statistical) index
2(math.) exponent
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About 指数
指数Simplified
指數Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 指数
Podcast: 指数
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AI Study Notes for 指数
Quick Contrast
指数 (zhǐshù) vs 指标 (zhǐbiāo) — use 指数 for mathematical exponents or statistical indices, while 指标 refers to specific indicators or benchmarks.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 指 as a finger pointing (as in pointing to a specific number) and 数 as numbers. Together, 指数 can be remembered as 'pointing to numbers' that show growth, like a rising graph. Imagine a finger (指) pushing up an index (数) to a higher level.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 指数, especially the third tone (指) followed by the fourth tone (数). It's commonly used in mathematical and financial contexts, so it's best suited for formal discussions. A common collocation is '增长指数' (growth index).
HSK Study Tips
Although 指数 is not an HSK word, it can be useful for students at HSK Level 4 and above who study mathematics or economics. Focus on its usage in contexts involving data analysis or financial reports to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese economic discussions, indices like the 'CPI指数' (Consumer Price Index) are crucial for understanding inflation and purchasing power, reflecting the importance of statistics in daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 指数 with other mathematical terms like 比例 (ratio) or 级数 (series). For example, saying '我在学习比例' (I am studying ratio) when they mean '指数' shows a misunderstanding of the term's specific use in relation to exponents.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 指数
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Cultural Notes for 指数
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese economic discussions, indices like the 'CPI指数' (Consumer Price Index) are crucial for understanding inflation and purchasing power, reflecting the importance of statistics in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 指数
It's pronounced 'zhǐ shù', with the first character in the third tone and the second character in the fourth tone.
While it’s more commonly used in formal contexts like math or finance, you might hear it in discussions about economic trends.
指数 refers specifically to exponents or indices, while 级数 typically refers to series or sequences in mathematics.
