Definition

1. Verb:
   • To point (with the fingers): The action of extending one's finger or hand to indicate a specific direction, object, or person.
   • To gesticulate while indicating or discussing: To point at things while talking about them, often in a demonstrative manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mấy đứa bé đứng trước gian hàng đồ chơi vừa xem vừa chỉ trỏ. (Some children were standing in front of the toy department, looking and pointing.)
  • Anh ấy chỉ trỏ vào bản đồ để giải thích lộ trình. (He pointed at the map to explain the route.)
  • Không nên chỉ trỏ vào mặt người khác khi nói chuyện. (You shouldn't point at someone's face while talking.)

Advanced Usage

• "chỉ trỏ chê bai": To point at something while criticizing it; to criticize overtly.

  • Cô ấy thích chỉ trỏ chê bai cách ăn mặc của người khác. (She likes to point and criticize other people's way of dressing.)

• "chỉ trỏ năm ngón": A phrase emphasizing the act of pointing, sometimes with a negative connotation of being overly directive or accusatory.

  • Anh ta chỉ trỏ năm ngón, ra lệnh cho mọi người. (He pointed his fingers, giving orders to everyone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chỉ (verb): To point; to indicate. Often used singly but with a similar core meaning.

  • Chỉ tay về phía trước. (To point a finger forward.)

• Trỏ (verb): To point; to show. This is a less common, more literary synonym for "chỉ".

  • Trỏ mặt chỉ tên. (To point out and name someone directly; to identify someone publicly, often for blame.)

• Chỉ chỏ (verb): A variant form with the same meaning as "chỉ trỏ".

Synonyms

• Chỉ: To point, to indicate.
• Hướng dẫn bằng tay: To guide with hand gestures.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• "Chỉ trỏ" is a compound verb formed from two near-synonyms, "chỉ" and "trỏ", which reinforces the meaning of pointing. It often describes a visible, sometimes animated or judgmental, act of pointing.
• The word can carry a slightly negative or impolite connotation when used to describe pointing at people, as it may imply criticism, accusation, or lack of manners.
• It is primarily used for the physical act of pointing with a finger or hand. For abstract meanings like "to point out a mistake" in a discussion, words like chỉ ra or nêu ra are more common.

1. To point (with the fingers)
   • mấy đứa bé đứng trước gian hàng đồ chơi vừa xem vừa chỉ trỏ
     some children were standing in front of the toy department, looking and pointing