noun HSK 5
Traditional 熱線
hotline · telephone hotline · direct communication line
Meaning
热线 literally means 'hot line' and refers to a direct telephone line or communication channel set up for a specific purpose, such as customer service, emergency help, or crisis support. It can also refer to political hotlines between governments.
Usage
Commonly used for customer service numbers, helplines, and emergency contact numbers. Often appears in contexts like 服务热线 (service hotline) or 咨询热线 (consultation hotline). The term suggests immediate, direct access to help or information.
Examples
- 01如果您有任何问题，请拨打我们的客服热线。, .If you have any questions, please call our customer service hotline.
- 02这家公司开通了24小时咨询热线。.This company has opened a 24-hour consultation hotline.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条热线
Common collocations
- 服务热线service hotline
- 咨询热线consultation hotline
- 客服热线customer service hotline
- 打热线to call the hotline
Origin
Calque from English 'hotline', originally referring to direct emergency communication lines between governments during the Cold War. The term entered Chinese in this political context and later expanded to commercial and service contexts.