指导 zhǐdǎo to guide
to guide; to direct; to instruct; coach; trainer
How to remember 指导: 指 point at + 导 guide = to guide.
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How it is used
- To guide/instruct/coach - 指导工作 (zhǐdǎo gōngzuò) give guidance on the work; 在老师指导下 under the teacher's guidance.
- Mentoring from someone more expert/senior; also the noun for the coach/adviser (论文指导 thesis supervision). 指导 is more hands-on-advising than 领导 (lǐngdǎo, to lead/command).
- 指导员 (instructor/counselor) is a role title.