Writing
指南针 (zhǐ nán zhēn) — how to say "compass" in Chinese
指南针
Compass
noun
Character composition
指
to point, finger
南
south
针
needle, pointer
Radicals / Keys
手
Hand
#64 · shǒu · 4 strokes
十
Ten
#24 · shí · 2 strokes
金
Gold
#167 · jīn · 8 strokes
Collocations
用指南针
yòng zhǐ nán zhēn
use a compass
Examples
在森林里，指南针帮助我们找到方向。
In the forest, a compass helps us find our direction.
这是指南针。
This is a compass.
Frequently asked questions
Compass meaning in Chinese
"compass" in Chinese is 指南针 (zhǐ nán zhēn).
What does 指南针 mean in English?
指南针 (zhǐ nán zhēn) means "Compass".
How is 指南针 pronounced?
It is pronounced zhǐ nán zhēn (written as zhi nan zhen, zhinanzhen). You can listen to the pronunciation on this page.
Compass in Chinese characters
It is written 指南针: 指 has 9 strokes, 南 has 9 strokes, 针 has 7 strokes. The Writing section above animates the stroke order of each character and lets you trace it.
What HSK level is 指南针?
指南针 belongs to the HSK 6 vocabulary list.
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