Definition

1. Verb:

   • To pinpoint: To identify or indicate the exact location of a target, especially for military purposes.
   • To inform (against someone): To secretly provide information about someone's activities to an authority or enemy.

2. Noun:

   • An informer: A person who secretly provides information about others to an authority or enemy.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Máy bay chỉ điểm cho đại bác bắn. (The plane pinpointed the target for the artillery to fire.)
  • Hắn bị nghi ngờ chỉ điểm cho cảnh sát. (He is suspected of informing to the police.)

• Noun:

  • Hắn là một chỉ điểm của địch. (He is an informer for the enemy.)
  • Làm chỉ điểm là một hành vi phản bội. (Acting as an informer is an act of betrayal.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying betrayal, secrecy, and often collaboration with a hostile or oppressive force. It is most commonly used in military, intelligence, or political contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Chỉ dẫn (v): to guide, to instruct. (This is a neutral term, unlike the secretive act implied by "chỉ điểm").
• Tố cáo (v): to denounce, to accuse publicly.
• Báo tin (v): to report news or information (generally neutral or positive).

Synonyms

• Verb: To identify, to point out, to betray, to snitch (informal).
• Noun: Informant, mole, spy, snitch (informal).

Related Idioms

• Làm tay sai chỉ điểm: To act as a henchman and informer.
  • Bọn chúng làm tay sai chỉ điểm cho quân xâm lược. (They acted as henchmen and informers for the invaders.)

verb

1. To pinpoint, to inform
   • máy bay chỉ điểm cho đại bác bắn
     the plane pinpointed (the target) for the artillery

noun

1. Informer
   • làm chỉ điểm cho địch
     to act as an informer for the enemy