Definitions

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

Etymology

Metal  that joins  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character 链, simplified from the traditional 鏈, is a phono-semantic compound. The radical 钅 on the left indicates a semantic connection to metal, while the component 连 on the right contributes both the sound and the meaning of "to connect". Its core definition is a chain, a series of interlinked metal rings forming a strong, flexible object for binding or pulling. From this physical concept, the character extends to describe abstract sequences of connected items, such as a supply chain, a chain of events, or a digital hyperlink.

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.