the lines or contours of a three-dimensional object (hairstyle, clothing, car etc)
HSK 7, unknown, rank #9171, Hard
xiàntiáo(xian4tiao2) T4
1line (in drawing, calligraphy etc)
2the lines or contours of a three-dimensional object (hairstyle, clothing, car etc)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
线条(線條)xiàntiáo(xian4tiao2)
线条 (xiàntiáo) refers to lines or contours, especially in artistic contexts such as drawing or calligraphy. It encompasses the visual representation of shapes and forms, including the outlines of objects in various fields like fashion and design.
Frequency#9171DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese art, the concept of 线条 is fundamental, as traditional calligraphy emphasizes the beauty and flow of each stroke. Artists often pay careful attention to the lines they create, reflecting cultural values of precision and elegance.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'line' (线) that 'ties' (条) together different elements in art and design. Imagine a painter creating flowing lines that connect shapes, just like threads weaving through fabric.
Meanings of 线条
xiàntiáo(xian4tiao2)
1line (in drawing, calligraphy etc)
2the lines or contours of a three-dimensional object (hairstyle, clothing, car etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 线条
线条Simplified
線條Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 线条
Podcast: 线条
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 线条
Quick Contrast
线 (xiàn) - refers to a line in a more general sense, while 线条 (xiàntiáo) emphasizes artistic or stylistic aspects of lines.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a 'line' (线) that 'ties' (条) together different elements in art and design. Imagine a painter creating flowing lines that connect shapes, just like threads weaving through fabric.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 线条 with related terms like 线 (line) which can refer to a singular line rather than the concept of lines in a broader sense. This term is more commonly used in artistic discussions, making it more formal than everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 线条 is not in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with HSK-level words related to art and design. Focus on understanding its application in contexts like drawing or fashion to enhance your vocabulary in those areas.
Cultural Note
In Chinese art, the concept of 线条 is fundamental, as traditional calligraphy emphasizes the beauty and flow of each stroke. Artists often pay careful attention to the lines they create, reflecting cultural values of precision and elegance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 线条 by using it to refer to individual lines instead of the collective concept of lines. For example, saying '我画了一条线条' (I drew a line line) is incorrect; instead, say '我画了一条线' (I drew a line).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 线条
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 线条 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 线条 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 线条
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese art, the concept of 线条 is fundamental, as traditional calligraphy emphasizes the beauty and flow of each stroke. Artists often pay careful attention to the lines they create, reflecting cultural values of precision and elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 线条
You can say, '这幅画的线条非常优美' (The lines in this painting are very beautiful).
Primarily, yes, but it can also describe the outlines or contours in everyday objects.
Some synonyms include 线 (line) and 轮廓 (contours), but each has its specific usage.