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天线 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
天线tiānxiànantennaHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9059, Very Hard
天线tiānxiànmastHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9059, Very Hard
天线tiānxiànconnection with high-ranking officialsHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9059, Very Hard
tiānxiàn(tian1xian4)tian xian T1
  1. 1antenna
  2. 2mast
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March 24, 2026

天线(天線)tiānxiàn(tian1xian4)

天线 (tiānxiàn) refers to an antenna, which is a device used for transmitting or receiving radio waves. It can also metaphorically imply having connections with high-ranking officials, often referred to as 'having an antenna to the powers that be.' This term is commonly used in discussions about technology and telecommunications.

Strokes12Frequency#9059DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In China, the concept of having connections (or 'guanxi') is crucial in various aspects of life, including business and politics. The term 天线 captures this idea, linking the technical aspect of communication with the social implications of networking.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant antenna reaching up to the sky (天, tiān means 'sky') to connect with powerful officials. Visualize the antenna as having 'wires' (线, xiàn means 'line' or 'wire') that connect you to the top. The image of a tall structure extending high into the sky helps you remember both the form and sound of the word.

Meanings of 天线

tiānxiàn(tian1xian4)
1antenna
2mast
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About 天线

天线Simplified
天線Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 天线

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AI study notes for 天线

Usage Notes

天线 is primarily used in technical contexts related to electronics and communication. It's important to distinguish it from similar terms by context; for instance, using it metaphorically in a political context may require additional clarification. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing the tones can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 天线 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it can be useful for HSK learners at intermediate levels who are studying technology-related topics. Focus on understanding related vocabulary, such as 连接 (liánjiē, 'connection') and 信号 (xìnhào, 'signal'), to enhance comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 天线 with similar-sounding words like 线 (xiàn, 'line') and 见 (jiàn, 'see'). A common mistake is saying '天见' instead of '天线'. Remember to keep the proper tones and context to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 天线

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Component characters

天tiānday
HSK 14 strokes大
View full entry
线xiànthread
HSK 68 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say antenna in Chinese

“antenna” in Chinese is天线tiānxiàn

天线 (tiānxiàn) refers to an antenna, which is a device used for transmitting or receiving radio waves. It can also metaphorically imply having connections with high-ranking officials, often referred to as 'having an antenna to the powers that be.' This term is commonly used in discussions about technology and telecommunications.

When to use 天线

天线 is primarily used in technical contexts related to electronics and communication. It's important to distinguish it from similar terms by context; for instance, using it metaphorically in a political context may require additional clarification. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing the tones can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 天线 with similar-sounding words like 线 (xiàn, 'line') and 见 (jiàn, 'see'). A common mistake is saying '天见' instead of '天线'. Remember to keep the proper tones and context to avoid confusion.

Write 天线

天
线

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Frequently asked questions about 天线

In a non-technical context, 天线 can refer to having connections or influence with powerful people.

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