线
xiàn
The English word 'line' is translated into Chinese as 线 (xiàn).
线 is used to refer to a single horizontal row of text on a screen or printed paper, a geometric or physical line or even a thread or string in many contexts. If you are specifically referring to a line or queue of people in a formal context, the term 队伍 (duìwǔ) is used instead.
Meaning: single horizontal row of text on a screen, printed paper, etc. (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 线 refers to a physical or geometric line, the term 线条 (xiàntiáo) is often used when discussing the aesthetic quality of lines in art or design.
How does it change in a sentence?
The most common measure word used with 线 is 条 (tiáo), which is specifically used for objects that are long, thin or flexible.
How do you pronounce it?
xiàn
When do people say it?
When you are waiting in a line and need to pass through, it is common and polite to say 请借过 (Qǐng jièguò) or 请让一让 (Qǐng ràng yī ràng) to ask someone to let you through.
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese slang, the word 线 appears in 一线城市 to describe 'first-tier cities' like Beijing and Shanghai, which are the most developed urban centers.
- The character 线 contains the radical 纟, which is a simplified version of the ancient radical for 'silk'. This reflects the historical connection between physical lines and the thread used in weaving.
- The character 线 is used in the term 底线, meaning 'bottom line', but it refers specifically to a person's moral minimum or a boundary they refuse to cross.
Examples in context
- 用尺子画线。Draw a line with a ruler.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb phrase with 线.Tatoeba #12420185 by jkyochen, translation #2985703 by sharptoothed
- 请画一条从A到B的线。Draw a line from A to B.This sentence shows how to use 线 when describing a path from one point to another.Tatoeba #8692927 by crescat, translation #72258 by CK
- 在乘坐扶梯时，请握住扶手，并站在黄线内。When using the escalator, please hold the handrail and stand within the yellow line.This sentence demonstrates the use of 线 in the context of safety markings.Tatoeba #4147243 by sissima, translation #13540101 by LeviHighway
- 请排队入场。 (Qǐng páiduì rùchǎng.)Please line up to enter.
- 我们排了两个小时的队伍才买到票。 (Wǒmen páile liǎng gè xiǎoshí de duìwǔ cái mǎi dào piào.)We waited in line for two hours to buy the tickets.
- 这些人都在外面排队呢。 (Zhèxiē rén dōu zài wàimiàn páiduì ne.)All these people are waiting in line outside.
- 你要排队才能买到热卖的商品。 (Nǐ yào páiduì cái néng mǎidào rèmài de shāngpǐn.)You have to line up to buy the popular merchandise.
- 这个算法可以优化队列的处理速度。 (Zhège suàn fǎ kěyǐ yōuhuà duìliè de chǔlǐ sùdù.)This algorithm can optimize the processing speed of the queue.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jiayi and Haoran are reviewing a document together.
- 佳怡 Jiayi请看第三线的内容。Qǐng kàn dì sān xiàn de nèiróng.Please look at the content of the third line.
- 浩然 Haoran这一线是不是写错了？Zhè yī xiàn shì bù shì xiě cuò le?Is this line written incorrectly?
- 佳怡 Jiayi没错，得删掉这一线。Méi cuò, děi shān diào zhè yī xiàn.Correct, we need to delete this line.
- 浩然 Haoran好的，我现在就改。Hǎo de, wǒ xiànzài jiù gǎi.Okay, I will change it now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 线, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
