At a Glance
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 指示 | shiji | instruction / directive |
| 指示する | shiji suru | to give instructions |
| 指示を受ける | shiji wo ukeru | to receive instructions |
| 指示書 | shijisho | written instructions |
On your first day at a Japanese company, your supervisor hands you a document and says: “これが指示書です。指示に従ってください。” Without knowing 指示（しじ）, you’d be lost. This word — meaning “instructions” or “directive” — is essential in workplace Japanese, and understanding its related expressions will help you navigate professional settings with confidence.
Yuka部長の指示に従ってください。
Buchou no shiji ni shitagatte kudasai.
Please follow the department manager’s instructions.
Reiわかりました。指示書はどこですか？
Wakarimashita. Shijisho wa doko desu ka?
Understood. Where is the instruction sheet?
What Does 指示 Mean?
指示（しじ） is a noun meaning “instructions,” “directions,” or “an order given by someone in authority.” The kanji break down as: 指（さ/ゆび）= point/finger + 示（しめ）= show/indicate. Together: “to point and show” — a vivid image of someone directing another person.
It is most common in workplace and organizational contexts. A boss gives 指示 to employees; a teacher gives 指示 to students; a commander gives 指示 to soldiers. The key nuance is that there is a hierarchy: the person giving 指示 has authority over the person receiving it.
Compare these related words:
| Word | Reading | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 指示 | shiji | Instructions from authority (neutral–formal) |
| 命令 | meirei | Order/command (strong, military feel) |
| 指導 | shidou | Guidance/coaching (mentoring tone) |
| アドバイス | adobaisu | Advice (friendly suggestion, no hierarchy) |
Core Sentence Patterns with 指示
Here are the most common and useful sentence patterns built around 指示.
指示に従う (shiji ni shitagau) — to follow instructions
A: 上司の指示に従って行動してください。
A: Joushi no shiji ni shitagatte koudou shite kudasai.
A: Please act in accordance with your supervisor’s instructions.
指示を出す (shiji wo dasu) — to issue instructions
B: 現場に指示を出したところです。
B: Genba ni shiji wo dashita tokoro desu.
B: I just issued instructions to the site.
指示を無視する (shiji wo mushi suru) — to ignore instructions
C: 指示を無視して独断で動いた。
C: Shiji wo mushi shite dokudan de ugoita.
C: He ignored instructions and acted on his own judgment.
指示を仰ぐ (shiji wo aogu) — to seek instructions (from a superior)
D: 不明な点は上司に指示を仰いでください。
D: Fumei na ten wa joushi ni shiji wo aoide kudasai.
D: Please seek instructions from your supervisor on any unclear points.
指示 in Different Contexts
Workplace: The most common setting. Managers give 指示 about tasks, deadlines, and procedures. Employees 指示に従う (follow instructions) or 指示を仰ぐ (seek guidance).
School: Teachers give 指示 about assignments and classroom behavior. “先生の指示をよく聞きなさい。” (Listen carefully to the teacher’s instructions.)
Emergency/public safety: During disasters, officials issue 避難指示（ひなんしじ）— evacuation orders. This is a formal, government-level use of the word.