Definitions

liàn (noun) chain; cable
liàn (verb) to chain; to enchain

Etymology

Metal  that joins  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "链" in its traditional form "鏈" is composed of the metal radical 金 on the left and the component 連 on the right, a structure that directly indicates its original meaning of interconnected metal rings. Etymologically, 連 contributes both phonetic and semantic value, carrying the sense of connection and continuity, which when combined with the material denoted by 金, specifies a linked object made of metal. Over time, the concept embodied by the character expanded from its concrete application, referring to physical chains or fetters, to encompass a range of linked or serial objects, and further into more abstract domains where it denotes a connected sequence or a unit of measurement. This semantic extension reflects a logical progression from a specific physical object to a broader conceptual framework for interconnection and order.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这条项很漂亮。

Zhè tiáo xiàngliàn hěn piàoliang.

This necklace is very beautiful.

自行车条需要润滑。

Zìxíngchē liàntiáo xūyào rùnhuá.

The bicycle chain needs lubrication.

请点击这个接。

Qǐng diǎnjī zhège liànjiē.

Please click this link.

这家公司是连锁企业。

Zhè jiā gōngsī shì liǎnsuǒ qǐyè.

This company is a chain enterprise.

产业的优化很重要。

Chǎnyè liàn de yōuhuà hěn zhòngyào.

The optimization of the industrial chain is important.

区块技术正在发展。

Qūkuài liàn jìshù zhèngzài fāzhǎn.

Blockchain technology is developing.

供应管理影响效率。

Gōngyìng liàn guǎnlǐ yǐngxiǎng xiàolǜ.

Supply chain management affects efficiency.

这些事件构成因果

Zhèxiē shìjiàn gòuchéng yīnguǒ liàn.

These events form a chain of causality.