Definition
线 (xiàn) is the general word for a thin, long object like thread, string, wire, or line. Unlike 绳子 (shéngzi 'rope', thicker) or 电线 (diànxiàn 'electrical wire'), 线 is the broadest term. It also serves as a classifier for rays or threads (e.g., 一线希望 'a ray of hope'), and in city rankings means 'tier' (e.g., 一线城市 'first-tier city').
noun
threadstringwirelinetier (in city ranking)
classifier
for rayslinesor threads of something (e.g., hope, light)
Measure word · 条, 股, 根
Easily confused
- 钱qiánlook-alikemoney
- 先xiānsound-alikefirst, in advance, before others
- 贱jiànlook-alike(adjective) cheap, inexpensive (of goods)
- 险xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) dangerous, perilous
- 浅qiǎnlook-alikeshallow (of depth)
- 献xiànsound-aliketo offer, to present (with respect, e.g. flowers, gifts, opinion)
- 盏zhǎnlook-alike(classifier) for lamps, lanterns, and other light sources (also literary: small cup)
- 陷xiànsound-aliketo sink into, to get stuck in (physical substance); to cave in
- 残cánlook-aliketo damage, to injure, to destroy
- 显xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) prominent, conspicuous, obvious
Examples
- ，。Diànhuà xiàn duàn le, xūyào huàn yì gēn xīn de.The telephone line is broken; I need to replace it with a new one.
- 。Běijīng shì yí xiàn chéngshì.Beijing is a first-tier city.
- 。Tā hái yǒu yí xiàn xīwàng.He still has a ray of hope.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.