Japanese symbol for “instructions”
指示
しじ
Romaji: shiji
indication; denotation; designation
In Japanese, instructions is 指示, read しじ (shiji).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n, vs, vt indication; denotation; designation
- n, vs, vt instructions; directions
Written forms: 指示. Readings: しじ、しし.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “instructions”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 指令 | しれい shirei | order; directive; instructions |
| 指図 | さしず sashizu | directions; instructions; orders |
| 旨 | むね mune | instructions; orders; intention |
| 訓令 | くんれい kunrei | directive; instructions |
| 説明書 | せつめいしょ setsumeisho | (printed) instructions; manual; explanatory leaflet (pamphlet, note) |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 指定 | してい shitei | designation; specification; assignment |
| 指導 | しどう shidou | guidance; leadership; instruction |
| 指摘 | してき shiteki | pointing out; identification |
| 指揮 | しき shiki | command; direction; supervision |
| 指輪 | ゆびわ yubiwa | (finger) ring |
| 展示 | てんじ tenji | exhibition; display |
| 示す | しめす shimesu | to (take out and) show; to demonstrate; to tell |
| 表示 | ひょうじ hyouji | indication; expression; showing |
See also: Chinese symbol for “instructions”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.