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1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 示 has 5 strokes and concerns showing information or expressing an attitude.
• Basic usage: 示す is read しめす, and 指示 is read しじ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Showing and giving instructions
  • 反対する姿勢を示した means showed an opposing stance.
  • The 示 in 指示 is read じ.
  • 先生の指示に従って means following the teacher's instructions.
  • 示す broadly concerns making information evident, while 指示 in this context tells someone what to do.