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占线 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
占线zhànxiànbusy (telephone line)HSK 5, x, 13 strokes, rank #22690, Hard
zhànxiàn(zhan4xian4) T4
  1. 1busy (telephone line)
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March 24, 2026

占线(佔線)zhànxiàn(zhan4xian4)

占线 refers to a telephone line being busy, indicating that the line is currently in use and unable to take another call. This term is commonly used in telecommunications contexts, especially when trying to reach someone by phone but failing due to the line being occupied.

Strokes13Frequency#22690DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, the concept of being '占线' is particularly relevant due to the high volume of mobile phone usage and the cultural emphasis on maintaining communication. It reflects the busy lifestyles of people in urban areas, where reaching someone via phone can often be a challenge.

Memory Tip

Think of 占 (zhàn) as 'occupy' or 'take up' and 线 (xiàn) as 'line'. Imagine a phone line being occupied by a conversation, where 占 signifies that it is taken. Visualize a phone cord with a big 'X' on it to remind you it’s busy.

Meanings of 占线

zhànxiàn(zhan4xian4)
1busy (telephone line)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 占线

占线Simplified
佔線Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#22690Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L5HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 占线

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Podcast: 占线

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AI Study Notes for 占线

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context when using 占线; it is informal and primarily used in spoken language. A common mistake is using it in written forms where a more formal term might be preferred. Remember, the phrase is typically used with the verb 打 (dǎ) to mean 'to call'.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 占线 connects with other vocabulary related to communication and technology. Focus on recognizing it in context, especially in conversations about making phone calls. Practicing sentences that include 占线 will help solidify its usage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 占线 to describe being busy in general, not just in the context of phone calls. For example, saying '我今天很占线' (I am very busy today) is incorrect; instead, use '我今天很忙'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 占线

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Component Characters

占zhànto occupy
HSK 55 strokes⺊
View full entry
线xiànthread
HSK 68 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say busy (telephone line) in Chinese

“busy (telephone line)” in Chinese is占线zhànxiàn

占线 refers to a telephone line being busy, indicating that the line is currently in use and unable to take another call. This term is commonly used in telecommunications contexts, especially when trying to reach someone by phone but failing due to the line being occupied.

When to use 占线

Be mindful of the context when using 占线; it is informal and primarily used in spoken language. A common mistake is using it in written forms where a more formal term might be preferred. Remember, the phrase is typically used with the verb 打 (dǎ) to mean 'to call'.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 占线 to describe being busy in general, not just in the context of phone calls. For example, saying '我今天很占线' (I am very busy today) is incorrect; instead, use '我今天很忙'.

Write 占线

占
线

Practice writing 占线 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 占线

占线 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

因电话____,我没能挂通他的电话.

I couldn't get him as the line was engaged.

Example Sentences for 占线 (1)

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1
因电话占线,我没能挂通他的电话.

yīn diàn huà zhān xiàn, , wǒ méi néng guà tōng tā de diàn.

I couldn't get him as the line was engaged.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 占线

You can say '我打电话给他,但他占线了' (I called him, but he was on another call).

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