Definition
指点 (zhǐdiǎn) has two distinct uses: (1) 'to point out and give guidance' — a helpful, instructive action, similar to 指导 (zhǐdǎo) but less formal and more about specific tips or advice; (2) 'to criticize, pick on someone's faults' — a negative, fault-finding sense that overlaps with 指责 (zhǐzé) but is less harsh. The first sense is more common; the second is marked by a critical tone.
verb
to point outto give guidance or instructionto criticizeto pick on (someone's faults)
Examples
- 指点。Lǎoshī nàixīn de zhǐ diǎn le wǒ de zuòwén zhōng de wèntí.The teacher patiently pointed out the problems in my essay.
- 指点。Tā jīngcháng zhǐ diǎn niánqīngrén rúhé chuàngyè.He often gives guidance to young people on how to start a business.
- 指点，。Tā zǒng xǐhuan zhǐ diǎn biérén de quēdiǎn, ràng rén hěn bù shūfu.She always likes to pick on others' shortcomings, making people very uncomfortable.
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