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链 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
链
liàn
chain
n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #4728, Hard
链
liàn
cable (unit of length: 100 fathoms, about 185 m)
n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #4728, Hard
链
liàn
chain (unit of length: 66 feet, about 20 m)
n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #4728, Hard
链
liàn
to chain
n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #4728, Hard
链
liàn
to enchain
n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #4728, Hard
链
liàn
chain, wire; chains, shackles
n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #4728, Hard
liàn(lian4)lian T4
1chain
2cable (unit of length: 100 fathoms, about 185 m)
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March 24, 2026
链(鏈)liàn(lian4)
The character 链 (liàn) primarily refers to a 'chain' or 'cable', often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It can denote physical chains used for securing objects or abstractly describe connections between concepts or people.
Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#4728DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, chains symbolize both security and restriction. The concept of being 'chained' can evoke thoughts about personal freedom, as seen in historical contexts of oppression.
Memory tip
Imagine a long, shiny metal chain glistening in the sun. The left part of the character (金) represents metal, while the right part (连) can remind you of linking things together, just like how chains connect links. Think of 'liàn' as 'linking' with chains.
Meanings of 链
liàn(lian4)
1chain
2cable (unit of length: 100 fathoms, about 185 m)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 链 means.
About 链
链Simplified
鏈Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4728Frequency Rank
Podcast: 链
Podcast: 链
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AI study notes for 链
Quick Contrast
链 (liàn) vs 绳 (shéng) — choose 链 when referring to a chain or metal link, while 绳 refers specifically to a rope or cord.
Usage Notes
When using 链, be mindful of its context; it can refer to physical chains or metaphorically to relationships. A common mistake is confusing it with related words like 连接 (liánjiē), which means 'to connect', but emphasizes the act rather than the object.
HSK Study Tips
Although not specifically listed in HSK levels, 链 connects with basic vocabulary related to connections and objects. Students should focus on recognizing its use in compound words and phrases related to 'chains' or 'connections'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 链 with 连 (lián), which means 'to connect' but is not a noun. For example, saying '我需要一个连' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè lián) instead of '我需要一个链' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè liàn) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 链
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 链 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 链 (liàn) primarily refers to a 'chain' or 'cable', often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It can denote physical chains used for securing objects or abstractly describe connections between concepts or people.
When to use 链
When using 链, be mindful of its context; it can refer to physical chains or metaphorically to relationships. A common mistake is confusing it with related words like 连接 (liánjiē), which means 'to connect', but emphasizes the act rather than the object.
链 or something close to it
链 (liàn) vs 绳 (shéng) — choose 链 when referring to a chain or metal link, while 绳 refers specifically to a rope or cord.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 链 with 连 (lián), which means 'to connect' but is not a noun. For example, saying '我需要一个连' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè lián) instead of '我需要一个链' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè liàn) is incorrect.
Write 链
链
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Practice writing 链 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 链
链 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
女子____球运动还不是主要的赛事。
Hammer-throwing for women is not yet a major event.
Common confusions with 链
链vs连
lián
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “chain”?
or
Example sentences for 链 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
女子链球运动还不是主要的赛事。
nǚzǐ liàn qiú yùndòng hái bùshì zhǔyào de sàishì。
Hammer-throwing for women is not yet a major event.
2
她脖子上戴着一条银项链，上面挂着个十字架。
tā bózi shàng dài zhe yī tiáo yín xiàngliàn， shàngmiàn guà zhe gè shí zì jià。
Round her neck was a cross on a silver chain.
3
他喜欢戴金链子，穿花里胡哨的衣服来招人反感。
tā xǐhuan dài jīn liàn zi， chuān huā lǐ hú shào de yīfu lái zhāo rén fǎngǎn。
He liked to shock with his gold chains and loud clothes.
