Chinese word

指出

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhǐ chū

Meaning

  • verbpoint out

Example

我想指出一个问题。wǒ xiǎng zhǐ chū yí gè wèn tí

I want to point out a problem.

Illustration for 指出 (point out)

More examples

请你指出问题所在。qǐng nǐ zhǐ chū wèn tí suǒ zài

Please point out where the problem lies.

Core concept

Guide attention to one specific object, problem, or key point, either with a gesture or with words.

Common phrases

  • 指出问题zhǐ chū wèn tí

    point out a problem

  • 指出错误zhǐ chū cuò wù

    point out an error

  • 指出原因zhǐ chū yuán yīn

    point out the cause

Similar words

指明zhǐ míng: Make a fact, reason, location, or other target clear by indicating it.
说明shuō míng: Explain the cause or content of something so that another person understands it.
提示tí shì: Briefly show useful information or a point needing attention for reference.

Definition in Chinese

用手或言语把某个事物、问题或要点指明出来，使他人注意到。yòng shǒu huò yán yǔ bǎ mǒu gè shì wù wèn tí huò yào diǎn zhǐ míng chū lái shǐ tā rén zhù yì dào

Word origin

指 (zhǐ, "finger; indicate") + 出 (chū, "out") presents the idea of bringing a target clearly into view by indicating it.

Usage tips

  • When a comment identifies a problem, 指出 (zhǐchū, "point out") is direct but not automatically rude; the surrounding tone and wording carry much of the politeness.

Other meanings

  • indicateverb
  • point toverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word