指令 (zhǐ lìng) is a formal term for an order or instruction, typically issued by an authority (e.g., a manager, government, or computer system). It is more official and written than 吩咐 (fēn fù, a spoken instruction) and less forceful than 命令 (mìng lìng, a strict command with no room for negotiation). 指示 (zhǐ shì) is a broader directive or guidance, while 指令 often implies a specific, actionable step.