指南针 Traditional form: 指南針 Pinyin (reading): zhǐnánzhēn Definitions: compass Characters: 指 - finger, toe; to point, to indicate 南 - south; southern; southward 针 - needle, pin, tack; acupuncture Traditional characters: 指 - finger, toe; to point, to indicate 南 - south; southern; southward 針 - needle, pin, tack; acupuncture