在线
zàixiàn
The English phrase "online" is translated to Chinese as 在线 (zàixiàn).
在线 is used as an adjective to describe being connected to the internet or as an adverb to describe actions performed via the internet. Another way to express being "online" or "on the internet" is to use the phrase 在网上.
Meaning: connected to the Internet (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 在线 literally translates to "on the line". The character 线 means "line" or "wire".
Which one should you use?
The antonym of 在线 is 离线, which means "offline".
How do you pronounce it?
zàixiàn
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is constantly 'online' and addicted to their phone, Chinese youth use the term 低头族 (dītóuzú), which translates to 'the head-down tribe'.
- The antonym 离线 (líxiàn) uses the character 离, which is the same character used to describe 'divorce' or 'parting ways' in a relationship.
- While 在线 is the standard term, Chinese gamers often use the slang 挂机 (guàjī), which literally means 'to hang a machine', to describe being 'online' but idle.
Examples in context
- 他总是在线。He is always online.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 在线 to describe someone's status.Tatoeba #3378257 by GlossaMatik, translation #3378258 by _undertoad
- 他经常在晚上的时候在网上工作。He often works online in the evenings.
- 请确保你的计算机连接到了网络。Please make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
- 你昨天晚上到几点才下了网？What time did you go offline last night?
- 别打扰我，我在上网。Don't disturb me, I'm online.
- 这个在线课程非常有趣。Zhège zàixiàn kèchéng fēicháng yǒuqù.This online course is very interesting.
- 我们现在可以通过在线会议沟通。Wǒmen xiànzài kěyǐ tōngguò zàixiàn huìyì gōutōng.We can communicate via online meetings now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
志强 and 梓涵 are discussing how to study together.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你想参加在线讲座吗？Nǐ xiǎng cānjiā zàixiàn jiǎngzuò ma?Do you want to join the online lecture?
- 梓涵 Zihan好啊，那太方便了。Hǎo a, nà tài fāngbiàn le.Sure, that is very convenient.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那我们明天在线见。Nà wǒmen míngtiān zàixiàn jiàn.Then we will see each other online tomorrow.
- 梓涵 Zihan没问题，明天见。Méi wèntí, míngtiān jiàn.No problem, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
