指示 (zhǐshì) is a formal noun meaning 'instruction' or 'direction', typically issued by an authority figure such as a supervisor, teacher, or official. The character 指 (zhǐ) means 'to point' or 'to indicate', while 示 (shì) means 'to show' or 'to demonstrate' — together, they convey the idea of clearly showing someone what to do. This word emphasizes clarity, authority, and intentionality, and is commonly used in workplaces, schools, government settings, and technical contexts.

Unlike casual words like 建议 (jiànyì, 'suggestion') or 提醒 (tígǎng, 'reminder'), 指示 carries weight and expectation of compliance. It often appears in written communication — emails, notices, or official documents — and rarely in spontaneous speech among peers. It may also refer to physical directional signs (e.g., traffic indicators), though this usage is less common than the abstract sense of 'directive'.