‘批示’ (pī shì) is a formal noun meaning a written instruction, directive, or official comment issued by a person in authority—such as a government official, manager, or senior executive—to guide or approve subordinate work. The character 批 (pī) means ‘to examine and comment on documents’, often with authority; 示 (shì) means ‘to show, indicate, or instruct’. Together, they convey the idea of an authoritative written response that signals approval, rejection, or guidance on a proposal, report, or request.

This term is commonly used in bureaucratic, administrative, and corporate settings in China and other Chinese-speaking regions. It implies hierarchy and formality: only superiors issue 批示, and subordinates act upon them. While it can appear in emails or digital memos today, it retains a strong connotation of officialdom and procedural weight—not used casually or among peers. It is rarely found in personal or informal contexts.