指定 zhǐdìng to appoint
to appoint; to assign; to indicate clearly and with certainty; designated
How to remember 指定: 指 point at + 定 decide = to appoint.
Characters
How it is used
- To designate/appoint a specific one in advance - 指定地点 (zhǐdìng dìdiǎn) a designated place, 指定继承人 (zhǐdìng jìchéngrén) name an heir.
- Emphasizes singling out a specific person/thing by authority; often used attributively (指定的 = designated).
- Contrast 规定 (guīdìng, stipulate a rule) and 任命 (rènmìng, formally appoint to a post).