联

聯

lián

关 + 耳

Definitions

lián (verb) to unite; to join; to connect

lián (verb) to ally; to associate

Etymology

Simplified form of 聯. Phonosemantic compound. 耳 represents the meaning and 𢇇 represents the sound.

Semantic: 耳 Phonetic: 关

About

联 is the simplified form of 聯. The traditional character combines 耳 (ear) and 絲 (silk threads), originally depicting silk threaded through ears to represent stringing things together or forming a continuous line. In the simplified version, the silk component is replaced by 𢇇 (now written as 关), making it a phonosemantic compound: 耳 suggests the meaning "to connect", while 𢇇 indicates the pronunciation. This change streamlined writing but lost the visual reference to silk threads. The character's core sense is to connect or join, whether physically or abstractly.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们保持联系。

Wǒmen bǎochí liánxì.

We stay in touch.

他们联合起来。

Tāmen liánhé qǐlái.

They united.

学校举办联欢会。

Xuéxiào jǔbàn liánhuānhuì.

The school holds a party.

这让我联想到过去。

Zhè ràng wǒ liánxiǎng dào guòqù.

This reminds me of the past.

两个国家结成联盟。

Liǎng gè guójiā jiéchéng liánméng.

Two countries form an alliance.

通过互联网，我们可以联系世界。

Tōngguò hùliánwǎng, wǒmen kěyǐ liánxì shìjiè.

Through the internet, we can connect with the world.

如果没有联系，我们会失去机会。

Rúguǒ méiyǒu liánxì, wǒmen huì shīqù jīhuì.

If there is no contact, we will lose the opportunity.

在联合国的框架下，各国加强合作与联系。

Zài liánhéguó de kuàngjià xià, gè guó jiāqiáng hézuò yǔ liánxì.

Under the framework of the United Nations, countries strengthen cooperation and contact.

Related Characters

Component: 关

Component: 耳

联