链 — meaning in English: chain

liàn · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for chain

链

liàn

春天

chūntiān

董事长

dǒngshì zhǎng

失败

shībài

兴奋

xīngfèn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 链 (liàn) in everyday conversations when discussing items that are physically connected, such as jewelry chains, or metaphorically, like social networks. For example, someone might say, '这条链子很美' (This chain is beautiful) while shopping or '我们之间有一条很强的联系' (There is a strong connection between us) in a personal context.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 连接 (liánjiē), which specifically means 'to connect.' While 链 (liàn) often refers to physical chains or links, 连接 focuses on the act of connecting, whether it's relationships or technology. Hence, you'd choose 链 when discussing a tangible object and 连接 when talking about connections in a more abstract sense.

Culture

The character 链 (liàn) is composed of the metal radical '金' (jīn), indicating its association with materials like metal, and the phonetic component '连' (lián), which means 'to connect.' This hints at the idea of linking things together, whether literally as in a metal chain or figuratively in social contexts. Interestingly, in ancient China, chains were not just utilitarian; they also symbolized unity and strength in relationships.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 链 in English?

The word 链 (liàn) translates to 'chain' in English, referring both to physical chains, like those used in jewelry or machinery, and metaphorical chains of connection between people or ideas.

Q.How do you use 链 in a sentence?

You can use 链 in sentences like '这条链是我的最爱' (This chain is my favorite) or in a metaphorical sense such as '他们的友谊就像一条链' (Their friendship is like a chain).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 链?

A common mistake is confusing 链 (liàn) with 连 (lián), which means 'to link.' Remember that 链 usually refers to a physical object, while 连 is often used in more abstract contexts.

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