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March 24, 2026
线(綫)xiàn(xian4)
The character 线 (xiàn) refers to a line, thread, or wire, often used to describe something that is long and thin, like a string or cable. It can also mean a clue or trail in certain contexts, making it versatile in usage. In everyday conversation, you might encounter it when discussing items like electrical wires or sewing threads.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#827DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 线 (line/thread) often relates to traditional crafts such as sewing and weaving, which have significant cultural heritage. The phrase '红线' (hóngxiàn), meaning 'red thread,' symbolizes fate and connection between people.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thin line drawn on paper, representing a 'thread' that connects points. The character 线 has a horizontal line at the top, symbolizing the straight path of a wire, and the vertical stroke below it resembles a thread hanging down. Picture threading a needle to remember both the sound 'xiàn' and its meaning.
Meanings of 线
xiàn(xian4)
1thread
2string
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 线
线Simplified
綫Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#827Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 线
Podcast: 线
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AI Study Notes for 线
Quick Contrast
线 (xiàn) vs 绳 (shéng) — use 线 for thin, flexible materials like thread or wire, while 绳 refers to thicker, stronger materials like rope.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a thin line drawn on paper, representing a 'thread' that connects points. The character 线 has a horizontal line at the top, symbolizing the straight path of a wire, and the vertical stroke below it resembles a thread hanging down. Picture threading a needle to remember both the sound 'xiàn' and its meaning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 线 with similar characters, such as 条 (tiáo), which refers to long, thin objects but is used differently. It's important to note that 线 is more formal, while colloquial terms may vary. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing xiàn, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 线 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to objects and descriptions. Focus on understanding its various meanings and practice using it in sentences that involve direction or description of objects.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 线 (line/thread) often relates to traditional crafts such as sewing and weaving, which have significant cultural heritage. The phrase '红线' (hóngxiàn), meaning 'red thread,' symbolizes fate and connection between people.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 线 (xiàn) with 线 (xiān) which means 'first.' An example mistake would be saying '我有一条线' (wǒ yǒu yī tiáo xiān) instead of '我有一条线' (wǒ yǒu yī tiáo xiàn) to refer to having a line or wire.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 线
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Grammar Patterns of 线
线 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 7 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.
The car neatly blends classic styling into a smooth modern package.
10
图表1中的曲线表现了这一模式。
tú biǎo1 1 zhōng de qū xiàn biǎo xiàn le zhè yī mó。
The kinked line in chart 1 represents this pattern.
Cultural Notes for 线
💡Did you know?
线在中国传统文化中有着重要的意义。它象征着连接与团结，很多传统工艺，如刺绣和编织，都离不开线。
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 线 (line/thread) often relates to traditional crafts such as sewing and weaving, which have significant cultural heritage. The phrase '红线' (hóngxiàn), meaning 'red thread,' symbolizes fate and connection between people.
Word Family of 线
Words Containing This Character20
线xiànthread線
线索xiànsuǒtrail線索
路线lùxiànitinerary路線
线路xiànlùline線路
热线rèxiànhotline (communications link)熱線
在线zàixiànonline在線
无线wúxiànwireless無線
视线shìxiànline of sight視線
底线dǐxiànto underline底線
无线电wúxiàndiànwireless無線電
曲线qūxiàncurve曲線
一线yīxiànfront line一線
光线guāngxiànlight ray光線
前线qiánxiànfront line前線
短线short term短線
航线air or shipping route航線
电线diànxiànwire電線
直线zhíxiànstraight line直線
线条xiàntiáoline (in drawing, calligraphy etc)線條
战线battle line戰線
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 线 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 线
Common phrases that include 线 are '电话线' (telephone line) and '绳线' (rope line). These phrases are frequently used in both conversation and writing to describe different types of lines or wires.
线 (xiàn) is a simplified Chinese character, while 線 is the traditional form. Both characters have the same meaning, but they are used in different regions, with 线 being prevalent in Mainland China and 線 in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
You can use 线 in a sentence to describe an object, such as '这条线很长' (This line is very long). It's also used in phrases like '电线' (electric wire) or '直线' (straight line) to specify types of lines or wires.
线 (xiàn) means 'line', 'string', or 'wire' in Chinese. It is used in various contexts, such as describing physical lines or connections. The character is commonly used in both everyday language and technical fields.
You can say '这条线很长' (zhè tiáo xiàn hěn cháng), meaning 'This line is very long.'
线 specifically refers to things like thread or wire, while 条 is a more general measure for long objects.
Yes, '一线希望' (yī xiàn xīwàng) means 'a glimmer of hope,' using 线 to symbolize a thin line of possibility.
