Definition
弦 (xián) specifically refers to a string on a musical instrument or a bow, or to a geometric chord/hypotenuse. It is distinct from 线 (xiàn), which means a general line or thread, and from 绳子 (shéng zi), which is a rope or cord for tying. 弦 is a technical term, not used for everyday string or rope.
noun
string (of a musical instrument or a bow)chord (a straight line connecting two points on a curve, e.g., on a circle)hypotenuse (of a right triangle)
Measure word · 根
Easily confused
- 率shuàilook-alikelead; command
- 先xiānsound-alikefirst, in advance, before others
- 玄xuánlook-alikemysterious, profound, abstruse
- 线xiànsound-alikethread; string; wire; line
- 险xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) dangerous, perilous
- 献xiànsound-aliketo offer, to present (with respect, e.g. flowers, gifts, opinion)
- 陷xiànsound-aliketo sink into, to get stuck in (physical substance); to cave in
- 显xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) prominent, conspicuous, obvious
- 县xiànsound-alikecounty
- 闲xiánsound-alikefree (not busy), idle, unoccupied
Examples
- 弦，。Zhè bǎ jítā de xián shì gāng zhì de, shēngyīn hěn liàng.The strings of this guitar are made of steel, and the sound is very bright.
- ，弦。Zài yuán zhōng, zuì cháng de xián shì zhíjìng.In a circle, the longest chord is the diameter.
- 弦。Zhíjiǎo sānjiǎoxíng de xián shì zuì cháng de nà tiáo biān.The hypotenuse of a right triangle is the longest side.
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