指示する
指示する 30 सेकंड में
- A formal verb meaning 'to instruct' or 'to give directions' in a professional or technical setting.
- Used with the particle 'ni' for the recipient and 'wo' for the task or information being given.
- Commonly found in workplace dialogue, manuals, emergency announcements, and sports coaching contexts.
- Differs from 'meirei' (command) by being less forceful and more procedural in nature.
The Japanese verb 指示する (shiji suru) is a fundamental term for anyone navigating professional, educational, or technical environments in Japan. At its core, it means 'to instruct,' 'to direct,' or 'to give an order for a specific action.' However, unlike the more forceful 命令する (meirei suru), which implies a strict command often in a military or emergency context, 指示する carries a nuance of guidance and procedural clarity. It is the word you use when a manager tells a subordinate how to format a report, when a doctor tells a patient how to take medicine, or when a GPS device directs a driver to turn left.
- Professional Context
- In a Japanese office, the flow of information often depends on how clearly a superior can 指示する. It involves providing the specific steps (手順 - tejun) required to complete a task. For example, '上司が部下に作業の進め方を指示した' (The boss instructed the subordinate on how to proceed with the work).
先生は生徒に、次のページを読むように指示した。
The kanji themselves reveal the word's physical origins. 指 (shi) means 'finger' or 'to point,' while 示 (ji) means 'to show' or 'to indicate.' Combined, they literally describe the act of 'pointing and showing' the way forward. This makes it an incredibly visual and concrete verb. When you 指示する, you are metaphorically pointing out the path someone should take. In modern usage, this extends to digital interfaces; a computer might 指示する a user to restart their system after an update.
- Technical Precision
- In engineering or construction, 指示する refers to specific technical directives. A blueprint might 指示する the exact measurements for a beam. Here, the word takes on a sense of 'specification' or 'requirement' that must be followed for safety and accuracy.
マニュアルが指示する通りに、部品を組み立ててください。
Culturally, the ability to give clear 指示 is seen as a hallmark of a good leader in Japan. Ambiguous instructions (曖昧な指示) are a common source of frustration in the workplace. Conversely, a subordinate's ability to follow 指示 precisely is highly valued. This dynamic reflects the hierarchical nature of Japanese society where roles and responsibilities are often defined by the exchange of these directives.
- Daily Life Usage
- You will encounter this word in everyday scenarios like following a recipe (レシピの指示), responding to a doctor's orders (医師の指示), or even in sports where a coach gives tactical directions to players on the field.
監督は選手に守備の位置を細かく指示した。
Understanding the grammatical structure of 指示する is key to using it naturally. It is a transitive Suru-verb, meaning it takes an object. The most common pattern is [Person A] が [Person B] に [Action/Object] を 指示する. Note the use of the particle に (ni) for the recipient of the instructions and を (wo) for the content of the instructions.
- Pattern 1: Direct Object
- Used when the instruction is a simple noun. '部長が次回の会議の場所を指示した' (The manager instructed [specified] the location for the next meeting).
医師は患者に薬の量を指示しました。
When you want to describe a specific action that someone should take, you often use the 〜ように (you ni) or 〜こと (koto) structures. This translates to 'instructed to [do something].' For example, '静かにするように指示された' (I was instructed to be quiet). This is a very common way to report instructions received from others.
- Pattern 2: Clause with ように
- Used for specific actions. '係員は列に並ぶように指示した' (The staff member instructed [the people] to line up in a queue).
警察官は運転手に車を止めるよう指示しました。
In highly formal or written contexts, such as official documents or news reports, 指示する might be replaced by the noun form 指示 (shiji) combined with other verbs. '指示を仰ぐ (shiji wo aogu)' means 'to seek instructions' or 'to look for guidance' from a superior. This shows a high level of respect and professional awareness. Another common variation is '指示に従う (shiji ni shitagau),' which means 'to follow instructions.'
- Formality Variations
- Neutral: 指示する (shiji suru). Polite: 指示します (shiji shimasu). Humble: 指示させていただきます (shiji sasete itadakimasu - rarely used for giving instructions, more for proposing them).
今後の対応については、改めて指示します。
You will encounter 指示する in almost every corner of Japanese society where hierarchy or specific procedures exist. It is a 'workhorse' verb of the Japanese language. Let's look at three specific environments where you are guaranteed to hear it.
- 1. The Japanese Office (Kaisha)
- This is the primary habitat for 指示する. During morning meetings (朝礼 - chourei), managers will 指示する the day's goals. When a new project starts, the project leader will 指示する individual tasks to team members. You might hear: '課長から指示があった通りに、この資料を作成しました' (I created this document exactly as instructed by the section manager).
「明日の出張の持ち物を指示していただけますか?」
In the office, the word is also used in the negative to describe poor management. A '指示待ち人間' (shiji-machi ningen) is a derogatory term for a 'wait-for-instructions person'—someone who lacks initiative and only does exactly what they are told, nothing more.
- 2. Public Announcements and Safety
- In train stations, airports, or during natural disasters, authorities will 指示する the public. For example, during a fire drill, the announcement might say '係員の指示に従って避難してください' (Please evacuate according to the instructions of the staff). It carries an air of authority and safety-critical importance here.
政府は住民に避難を指示した。
- 3. Education and Sports
- Teachers 指示する homework or classroom behavior. In sports, a coach's tactical changes are referred to as 指示. If a baseball manager tells a player to bunt, that is a 指示. It implies a strategic move intended to achieve a specific outcome.
Finally, in the world of computing and AI, 指示する is used to describe the prompts or commands given to a machine. When you give a 'prompt' to an AI like ChatGPT, you are essentially providing a 指示. The precision of your 指示 determines the quality of the output.
AIに具体的なタスクを指示することで、より良い結果が得られます。
While 指示する seems straightforward, learners often trip over its specific nuances and social restrictions. The most common pitfall is using it in the wrong social direction.
- 1. The Upward Social Mistake
- You should almost never use 指示する when talking about what you want a superior to do. Saying '部長、指示してください' (Manager, please instruct me) is technically correct but can sound a bit cold or overly clinical. Instead, use 'ご指導(ごしどう)お願いします' (Please guide me) or 'アドバイスをいただけますか' (Could you give me advice?). Even worse is saying '私が部長に指示しました' (I instructed the manager), which sounds incredibly arrogant.
❌ 上司に仕事を指示した。
✅ 上司に仕事の内容を確認した。
Another error is confusing 指示する with 命令する (meirei suru). As mentioned before, 命令 is a 'command.' If you use 命令する in an office setting, it sounds like you are a military dictator. 指示する is the 'polite' professional version. However, don't go too far the other way—指示する is still a top-down word. Don't use it with friends or family for simple requests like 'Pass the salt.'
- 2. Confusion with 指導 (Shidou)
- 指導する means 'to guide' or 'to coach.' It focuses on the long-term development of a person's skills. 指示する is just about the immediate task. If a manager shows you how to be a better salesperson, that is 指導. If they tell you to call Client X at 2 PM, that is 指示.
❌ 先生が数学の解き方を指示した。
✅ 先生が数学の解き方を指導した。
Finally, watch out for the particle に. Learners sometimes use を for the person being instructed. Remember: [Person] に and [Task] を. If you say '部下を指示する,' it sounds like you are physically pointing at the subordinate rather than giving them information.
マニュアルの指示に従って、操作を行ってください。
Japanese has several verbs that overlap with 指示する. Choosing the right one depends on the level of authority, the goal of the communication, and the relationship between speakers.
- 命令する (Meirei suru) - To Command
- This is much stronger than 指示する. It implies an absolute requirement to obey. It's used by police, military, or in emergencies. In a normal workplace, it would sound tyrannical.
Example: 「止まれ」と命令した。 (He commanded 'Stop!') - 指導する (Shidou suru) - To Guide/Coach
- This focuses on education and improvement. A teacher 指導する students to help them learn. A mentor 指導する a junior. It implies a nurturing intent.
Example: 新入社員を指導する。 (I guide the new employees.) - 指定する (Shitei suru) - To Designate/Specify
- This is used for picking a specific time, place, or item. While 指示する is about an action, 指定する is about the selection.
Example: 待ち合わせの場所を指定した。 (I designated the meeting place.)
プロジェクトの進め方を指示し、新人を指導する。
For softer requests, you might use 依頼する (Irai suru). This means 'to request' or 'to commission.' It's used when you are asking someone to do something as a favor or a professional service, rather than giving a top-down instruction. Another alternative is 助言する (Jogen suru), meaning 'to advise.' This is much less forceful than 指示; the person receiving 助言 is free to ignore it.
- 言い渡し (Iiwatashi) - Pronouncement
- Very formal, often legal. Used for sentences in court or official declarations. Much narrower than 指示.
Example: 判決を言い渡す。 (To pronounce a verdict.)
部長は具体的な作業を指示するだけでなく、部下のキャリア形成を指導するべきだ。
How Formal Is It?
रोचक तथ्य
The kanji '示' is often found in words related to religion or ceremonies (like 'matsuri' or 'kamisama' radicals) because it originally meant 'to show a sign from heaven.'
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Pronouncing 'ji' as 'zi'. It should be a 'j' sound as in 'jeep'.
- Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end of 'suru'. In natural speech, it's often nearly silent.
- Stressing the wrong syllable. Keep it flat.
- Confusing 'shiji' with 'shichi' (seven).
- Pronouncing 'shi' with too much air, making it sound like 'si'.
कठिनाई स्तर
The kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge. 'Shi' (指) is learned in 3rd grade, 'Ji' (示) in 5th grade.
Writing '示' correctly requires attention to stroke order to avoid confusing it with other radicals.
Easy to conjugate as a Suru-verb, but socially tricky to use correctly.
Distinct sound, usually clear in professional audio.
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Passive voice for received instructions
〜するように指示される (To be instructed to do...)
Noun + ni shitagau
指示に従う (Follow the instructions)
Embedded questions with shiji suru
いつ始めるかを指示する (Instruct when to start)
Adverbial use of Toori ni
指示の通りに動く (Move as instructed)
Causative form (making someone instruct)
彼に指示させる (Make him give the instructions)
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
先生の指示を聞いてください。
Please listen to the teacher's instructions.
Noun 'shiji' used with the particle 'no'.
ここに指示があります。
The instructions are here.
Simple existence sentence with 'arimasu'.
指示を読みます。
I read the instructions.
Direct object with 'wo'.
指示は簡単です。
The instructions are simple.
Adjective 'kantan' describing the noun 'shiji'.
お母さんの指示を守ります。
I follow my mother's instructions.
The verb 'mamoru' means to follow or keep.
指示をください。
Please give me instructions.
Request form 'kudasai'.
次の指示は何ですか?
What is the next instruction?
Question with 'nan desu ka'.
正しい指示が必要です。
Correct instructions are necessary.
Noun 'hitsuyou' meaning necessary.
上司が仕事を指示しました。
The boss instructed the work.
Polite past tense 'shimashita'.
田中さんに指示してください。
Please instruct Mr. Tanaka.
Particle 'ni' for the person being instructed.
マニュアルの通りに指示する。
I instruct according to the manual.
'Toori ni' means 'according to'.
早くやるように指示されました。
I was instructed to do it quickly.
Passive form 'saremashita' with 'you ni'.
医者は薬を飲む時間を指示した。
The doctor instructed the time to take the medicine.
Plain past tense 'shita'.
どこに置くか指示してください。
Please instruct me where to put it.
Embedded question 'doko ni oku ka'.
彼は細かく指示するタイプだ。
He is the type who instructs in detail.
Noun-modifying clause.
指示がないと動けません。
I can't move without instructions.
Conditional 'nai to' meaning 'if there isn't'.
部長は、会議の準備を指示した。
The manager instructed the preparation for the meeting.
Standard transitive use in a business context.
具体的な指示を出してください。
Please give concrete instructions.
The idiom 'shiji wo dasu' (to issue instructions).
彼は私の指示を無視した。
He ignored my instructions.
Direct object use with 'mushi' (ignore).
作業の手順を正確に指示する。
I instruct the work procedures accurately.
Adverb 'seikaku ni' modifying the verb.
どちらの道を行くべきか指示した。
He instructed which road we should take.
Use of 'beki' (should) in the object clause.
指示系統が混乱している。
The chain of command is confused.
Compound noun 'shiji keitou'.
監督は選手に守備を指示した。
The coach instructed the players on defense.
Sports context usage.
メールで指示を送ります。
I will send instructions by email.
Instrumental particle 'de'.
政府は被災者に避難を指示した。
The government instructed disaster victims to evacuate.
Formal public directive context.
曖昧な指示はトラブルの元だ。
Vague instructions are the source of trouble.
Adjective 'aimai' (vague) modifying 'shiji'.
現場の判断で動くよう指示された。
We were instructed to act based on on-site judgment.
Complex passive construction.
経営陣はコスト削減を指示した。
The management instructed cost reductions.
Corporate strategic context.
マニュアルが指示する以上のことをする。
To do more than what the manual instructs.
'Ijou' (more than) with a modifying clause.
指示を仰ぐ必要はありません。
There is no need to seek instructions.
Formal idiom 'shiji wo aogu'.
彼は常に的確な指示を出す。
He always gives precise instructions.
Adjective 'tekikaku' (precise/apt).
指示に従わない場合は罰則がある。
There are penalties if instructions are not followed.
Conditional 'baai' (in the case of).
中央銀行は、金融緩和の継続を指示した。
The central bank directed the continuation of monetary easing.
High-level economic/political context.
指示待ち人間の増加が社会問題となっている。
The increase in passive employees is becoming a social issue.
Cultural term 'shiji-machi ningen'.
その言葉が何を指示しているのか不明確だ。
It is unclear what that word is referring to.
Linguistic/philosophical use meaning 'to refer'.
法的な指示に従う義務がある。
There is an obligation to follow legal instructions.
Legal context with 'gimu' (obligation).
彼は部下に裁量を与えず、事細かに指示する。
He gives no discretion to subordinates and instructs in minute detail.
Describing micromanagement.
事態の推移を見守るよう指示があった。
There were instructions to watch the progression of the situation.
Formal noun-based reporting.
指示系統の合理化が急務である。
Rationalizing the chain of command is an urgent task.
Abstract business terminology.
システムが再起動を指示している。
The system is directing a restart.
Technical/Software context.
憲法に基づき、総理は各省庁に指示を出す。
Based on the constitution, the Prime Minister issues instructions to various ministries.
Constitutional/Administrative law context.
指示対象の特定が解釈の鍵を握る。
Identifying the referent holds the key to interpretation.
Academic/Hermeneutic context.
最高経営責任者は、抜本的な改革を指示した。
The CEO directed a fundamental reform.
Strategic leadership terminology.
その指示は、暗黙のうちに了解されていた。
The instruction was understood tacitly.
Describing high-context communication.
指示権の濫用は厳に慎まなければならない。
The abuse of the right to instruct must be strictly avoided.
Legal/Ethical warning.
彼は、自身の哲学を作品を通じて指示している。
He indicates his own philosophy through his works.
Abstract artistic/philosophical use.
組織全体の意志が、末端の指示にまで浸透している。
The will of the entire organization permeates down to the instructions at the lowest level.
Complex organizational analysis.
指示の正当性をめぐって議論が紛糾した。
The debate became complicated over the legitimacy of the instructions.
Political/Legal conflict context.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
— Exactly as instructed. Used when confirming a completed task.
指示の通りに修正しました。
— Until there are instructions. Used when waiting for a signal.
指示があるまでここで待機してください。
— To go against instructions. Used in disciplinary contexts.
彼の行動は指示に反している。
— I would like to seek your instructions. Very polite way to ask a boss what to do.
今後の対応について指示を仰ぎたいのですが。
— To forget instructions. A common mistake in the workplace.
うっかり指示を忘れてしまった。
— To act according to instructions. Often used for robots or obedient staff.
ロボットは指示通りに動きます。
— The side giving instructions (the leader/manager).
指示を出す側の責任は重い。
— The side receiving instructions (the subordinate).
指示を受ける側も確認が必要だ。
— To bark out instructions quickly, often in a busy environment.
監督がベンチから指示を飛ばす。
— To ensure instructions are followed by everyone without exception.
安全ルールの指示を徹底する。
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
Meirei is much harsher and used by high authority figures. Shiji is more about the 'how-to' and specific steps.
Shidou is about teaching and long-term development. Shiji is about a specific one-time task.
Sashizu has a negative nuance of being bossy or meddling in things that aren't your business.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
— A person who does nothing until told; someone lacking initiative.
指示待ち人間にならないように気をつけよう。
Informal/Critical— To seek guidance or orders from a superior; showing respect for hierarchy.
独断で決めず、まずは指示を仰ぐべきだ。
Formal/Business— The chain of command being streamlined or unified to avoid confusion.
合併により、指示系統が一本化された。
Business/Formal— An instruction is decided by a single word from a powerful person (like 'The voice of the crane').
社長の鶴の一声で、新しい指示が出た。
Idiomatic— There is a flaw or mistake in the instructions provided.
今回のミスは、指示に落ち度があったせいだ。
Formal— An unspoken instruction; something understood without being said.
チーム内には暗黙の指示が存在する。
Neutral— To follow instructions blindly without thinking for oneself.
指示を鵜呑みにせず、自分で考えることも大切だ。
Neutral— The timing for giving instructions, which is crucial for efficiency.
彼は指示を出すタイミングが絶妙だ。
Neutral— Instructions changing repeatedly, causing confusion.
指示が二転三転して、現場は混乱している。
Neutral— To carry out instructions to the very end successfully.
与えられた指示を完遂するのがプロだ。
Formalआसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Both start with 'Shi' and involve pointing.
Shitei is for 'designating' a choice (like a seat), while Shiji is for 'instructing' an action.
座席を指定する (Designate a seat) vs. 作業を指示する (Instruct work).
Both involve the kanji 'Ji' (show).
Shisa is 'to suggest' or 'imply' indirectly. Shiji is a direct instruction.
可能性を示唆する (Suggest a possibility).
Both involve leadership.
Shiki is 'to conduct' or 'command' a group (like an orchestra or army). Shiji is giving specific tasks.
オーケストラを指揮する。
Both involve 'showing'.
Teiji is 'to present' or 'show' an item (like an ID card). Shiji is giving an instruction.
身分証を提示する。
Both involve 'indicating'.
Anji is 'to hint' or 'foreshadow' something hidden. Shiji is clear and direct.
結末を暗示する。
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
[Person] に [Noun] を 指示する
部下に仕事を指示する。
[Verb-Dictionary Form] ように 指示する
早く帰るように指示する。
[Noun] の 指示に従う
リーダーの指示に従う。
[Person] から [Noun] の 指示がある
社長から中止の指示があった。
[Person] の 指示を仰ぐ
先生の指示を仰ぐ。
[Noun] を 指示対象とする
この言葉は過去の事件を指示対象としている。
指示系統を [Verb]
指示系統を強化する。
指示権を [Verb]
指示権を適切に行使する。
शब्द परिवार
संज्ञा
क्रिया
विशेषण
संबंधित
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Extremely high in work, school, and government contexts.
-
上司に指示した (Joushi ni shiji shita)
→
上司に確認した / 指示を仰いだ
You don't 'instruct' your boss. It sounds extremely rude. You 'confirm' with them or 'seek' their instructions.
-
指示を従う (Shiji wo shitagau)
→
指示に従う (Shiji ni shitagau)
The verb 'shitagau' (to follow/obey) always takes the particle 'ni', not 'wo'.
-
部下を指示する (Buka wo shiji suru)
→
部下に指示する (Buka ni shiji suru)
The recipient of the instruction is marked with 'ni'. 'Buka wo' would mean you are pointing at the subordinate as an object.
-
友達に指示する (Tomodachi ni shiji suru)
→
友達に頼む (Tomodachi ni tanomu)
'Shiji' is too formal and hierarchical for friends. It sounds like you think you are their boss.
-
数学を指示する (Suugaku wo shiji suru)
→
数学を教える / 指導する
You 'teach' (oshieru) or 'guide' (shidou) a subject like math. 'Shiji' would only be for a specific task like 'Do page 5'.
सुझाव
Particle Choice
Always use 'ni' for the person receiving the instruction. 'Buka ni shiji suru' (Instruct the subordinate). Using 'wo' here is a common mistake.
Hierarchy Matters
In Japan, giving instructions is a privilege of rank. If you are new, focus on 'following' (shitagau) rather than 'giving' (dasu) instructions.
Specific vs. General
Use 'shiji' for specific tasks. Use 'shidou' for general learning. Use 'meirei' for absolute commands.
Email Etiquette
When asking for instructions in an email, use 'Go-shiji' (with the polite prefix 'Go') to show respect.
Softening the Blow
If you must give an instruction to an equal, add 'te kudasai' to 'shiji' to make it a polite request rather than a cold order.
Safety First
In Japan, listen for 'shiji' during train announcements. It usually precedes important safety information.
Finger-Show
Remember: Finger (指) + Show (示). You show the way with your finger.
Wait-for-Instructions
Being called 'shiji-machi' is bad. Try to anticipate what 'shiji' will come next to show initiative.
Stroke Order
The kanji '示' has 5 strokes. Don't confuse it with '衣' (clothes) which has an extra dot.
Business Essential
This is a Top 100 business verb. Master it to survive in any Japanese office.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of a manager **pointing** (指) his finger to **show** (示) you where the exit is. He is **shiji-ing** you.
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a large neon finger pointing at a specific button on a machine with the word '指示' written on the finger.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to give three 'shiji' to a friend today in Japanese, such as 'Take out the trash' or 'Open the window,' using the 〜ように指示する pattern.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Composed of two Sino-Japanese characters (Kanji). 'Shi' (指) originates from the depiction of a hand and a finger, meaning to point. 'Ji' (示) originates from an altar, representing showing or manifesting the will of the gods.
मूल अर्थ: To point and show; to manifest a direction.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Never use 'shiji suru' toward your teacher, your boss, or someone older than you. It sounds like you are ordering them around. Use 'onegai suru' (request) instead.
In English, 'instruct' can sound very formal or educational. In Japanese, 'shiji suru' is the standard way to say 'tell someone to do something' in a work context, where English might just use 'tell' or 'ask'.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Office Work
- 指示を仰ぐ
- 具体的な指示
- 指示通りに進める
- 指示を出す
Medical/Hospital
- 医師の指示
- 服薬指示
- 安静の指示
- 指示に従う
Disaster/Safety
- 避難指示
- 待機指示
- 指示を待つ
- 放送の指示
Sports
- 監督の指示
- 作戦の指示
- 守備の指示
- 指示を飛ばす
Education
- 先生の指示
- 課題の指示
- 提出の指示
- 指示をよく聞く
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"「部長から何か指示はありましたか?」 (Did the manager give any instructions?)"
"「指示が曖昧で、どうすればいいか分かりません。」 (The instructions are vague, so I don't know what to do.)"
"「もっと具体的な指示をいただけますか?」 (Could you give me more specific instructions?)"
"「指示に従って作業を完了しました。」 (I completed the work according to the instructions.)"
"「次のステップについて、指示を仰ぎたいです。」 (I'd like to seek instructions regarding the next step.)"
डायरी विषय
今日、上司や先生から受けた指示について書いてください。 (Write about the instructions you received from your boss or teacher today.)
もしあなたがリーダーだったら、どのように部下に指示を出しますか? (If you were a leader, how would you give instructions to your subordinates?)
「指示待ち人間」についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about 'wait-for-instruction' people?)
分かりにくい指示を受けて困った経験はありますか? (Have you ever had a hard time because of confusing instructions?)
指示を出すことと、指導することの違いは何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the difference between giving instructions and guiding someone?)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालIt is better to avoid it. Using 'shiji suru' with friends sounds very bossy and clinical, as if you are their manager. Use 'tanomu' (ask) or 'onegai' (request) instead. For example, 'Kore yatte kureru?' (Can you do this?) is much more natural.
Think of 'meirei' as 'Do it because I said so!' (authority-based) and 'shiji' as 'Do it this way.' (procedural-based). 'Meirei' is common in the military; 'shiji' is common in offices.
No, it is a criticism. It describes someone who cannot think for themselves and only works when given a direct order. Companies in Japan generally want employees who take initiative ('jishuteki ni ugoku').
You should say 'Go-shiji wo omachi shite orimasu' (ご指示をお待ちしております). This uses humble language and is very common in business emails.
Use it when you are stuck and need your superior to tell you the next step. It shows that you respect their authority and don't want to make a mistake by acting alone. 'Buchou no shiji wo aogimasu' (I will seek the manager's instructions).
It means 'Evacuation Instruction.' It is issued by local governments during disasters like typhoons or earthquakes. It is a strong directive to leave the area for safety.
Yes. In technical contexts, a computer or a program can 'shiji' a user to perform an action, like 'Restart the computer.' The manual is also said to 'shiji' the user.
A 'shijisho' (指示書) is a written instruction sheet or a work order. It contains the details of what needs to be done, often used in factories or construction.
Both! 'Shiji' is the noun (instruction), and 'shiji suru' is the verb (to instruct). You can say 'Shiji wo dasu' (Give an instruction) or 'Shiji suru' (Instruct).
It is Heiban (Flat). The pitch starts low and stays high for the rest of the word: shi-JI-SURU.
खुद को परखो 37 सवाल
上司に仕事を指示しました。
You should not use 'shiji shita' toward a superior.
/ 37 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
指示する (shiji suru) is the essential verb for 'instructing' others in Japanese. It is used by superiors to provide clear steps for tasks. Example: 部長に指示された通りに資料を作りました (I made the documents exactly as instructed by the manager).
- A formal verb meaning 'to instruct' or 'to give directions' in a professional or technical setting.
- Used with the particle 'ni' for the recipient and 'wo' for the task or information being given.
- Commonly found in workplace dialogue, manuals, emergency announcements, and sports coaching contexts.
- Differs from 'meirei' (command) by being less forceful and more procedural in nature.
Particle Choice
Always use 'ni' for the person receiving the instruction. 'Buka ni shiji suru' (Instruct the subordinate). Using 'wo' here is a common mistake.
Hierarchy Matters
In Japan, giving instructions is a privilege of rank. If you are new, focus on 'following' (shitagau) rather than 'giving' (dasu) instructions.
Specific vs. General
Use 'shiji' for specific tasks. Use 'shidou' for general learning. Use 'meirei' for absolute commands.
Email Etiquette
When asking for instructions in an email, use 'Go-shiji' (with the polite prefix 'Go') to show respect.
उदाहरण
マネージャーはプロジェクトの進め方について指示を出しました。
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
work के और शब्द
調整
A1किसी चीज़ को संतुलित करने के लिए उसमें थोड़ा बदलाव करना। इसका उपयोग अक्सर शेड्यूल या तकनीकी सेटिंग्स के लिए किया जाता है।
有利な
B1यह हमारे लिए फायदेमंद स्थिति है।
承知する
B1किसी बात को औपचारिक रूप से स्वीकार करना या समझना।
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1किसी नौकरी या प्रतियोगिता के लिए आवेदन करना। सार्वजनिक प्रस्ताव का उत्तर देना।
応募する
B1किसी नौकरी या प्रतियोगिता के लिए आवेदन करना।
~と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
勤怠
B1勤怠 (kintai) शब्द काम पर कर्मचारी के उपस्थिति रिकॉर्ड को संदर्भित करता है, जिसमें उनकी उपस्थिति, अनुपस्थिति, समय की पाबंदी और छुट्टियां शामिल हैं। यह जापान में व्यावसायिक जिम्मेदारी का एक महत्वपूर्ण पहलू है। कंपनी इन रिकॉर्डों का उपयोग काम के घंटों को ट्रैक करने और वेतन की गणना करने के लिए करती है।
係員
A2परिचारक, प्रभारी व्यक्ति। स्टेशन, संग्रहालय या कार्यक्रमों में कर्मचारियों के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।
ぎんこういん
A2बैंक कर्मचारी। वह व्यक्ति जो बैंक में काम करता है और वित्तीय सेवाएं प्रदान करता है।