HSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #16563, Very Hard
zhǐbiāo(zhi3biao1)zhi biao T3
1target
2quota
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March 24, 2026
指标(指標)zhǐbiāo(zhi3biao1)
指标 (zhǐbiāo) refers to a target or standard used as a measure of performance or achievement. It is commonly used in business, economics, and various fields to indicate specific goals or benchmarks that need to be met.
Strokes18Frequency#16563DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, having clear 指标 is crucial for measuring success and accountability. Companies often emphasize these indicators in performance reviews and strategic planning.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dartboard (指) with a clear target (标) at its center. The character 指 can remind you of pointing at the target, while 标 resembles a signpost guiding you toward your goal. Together, they form an image of aiming for a specific outcome.
Meanings of 指标
zhǐbiāo(zhi3biao1)
1target
2quota
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About 指标
指标Simplified
指標Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16563Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 指标
Podcast: 指标
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AI Study Notes for 指标
Quick Contrast
目标 (mùbiāo) vs 指标 (zhǐbiāo): Use 目标 when referring to a broader aim or goal, while 指标 specifically denotes a quantifiable standard for measurement.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in reports or discussions about performance metrics. Common collocations include '销售指标' (sales target) and '绩效指标' (performance indicators). Be careful with the tone; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 指标 connects to other terms related to measurement and performance, such as 目标 (mùbiāo, goal) and 计划 (jìhuà, plan). Students should focus on understanding its application in various professional contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 指标 with 目标, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的指标是增加销售' (My target is to increase sales) should correctly use 目标, as 指标 refers to the measure rather than the goal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 指标
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指标 (zhǐbiāo) refers to a target or standard used as a measure of performance or achievement. It is commonly used in business, economics, and various fields to indicate specific goals or benchmarks that need to be met.
When to use 指标
This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in reports or discussions about performance metrics. Common collocations include '销售指标' (sales target) and '绩效指标' (performance indicators). Be careful with the tone; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
指标 or something close to it
目标 (mùbiāo) vs 指标 (zhǐbiāo): Use 目标 when referring to a broader aim or goal, while 指标 specifically denotes a quantifiable standard for measurement.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 指标 with 目标, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的指标是增加销售' (My target is to increase sales) should correctly use 目标, as 指标 refers to the measure rather than the goal.
Write 指标
指
标
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Grammar Patterns of 指标
指标 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 8 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.
The government decided to raise the environmental quota to tackle the challenges of climate change.
Exercise 1 of 1
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Rebuild it: “The economic indicators are better than expected.”
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Cultural Notes for 指标
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, performance indicators are also important, but the emphasis on rigid quotas may vary; many Western firms focus more on flexibility and adaptability than strictly adhering to set indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions about 指标
指标 refers to specific measurable indicators or standards, while 目标 is a broader term for goals or objectives.
It's primarily used in formal contexts, so it's best to avoid using it in casual conversations.
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