noun / verb HSK 4
Traditional 鏈
chain · link · to chain up · to link
Meaning
This character means 'chain' or 'link' and can refer to physical chains, metaphorical connections, or chains of events. As a verb, it means to chain something up or to link things together in a series.
Usage
Most commonly appears in compounds rather than alone. Frequently used in modern contexts like blockchain (区块链), supply chain (供应链), or chain stores (连锁店). The standalone character is more literary; everyday speech typically uses compound words.
Examples
- 01她戴着一条金项链。.She's wearing a gold necklace.
- 02这家公司正在优化供应链管理。.This company is optimizing its supply chain management.
Measure words
- 条一条项链
- 根一根铁链
Common collocations
- 区块链blockchain
- 供应链supply chain
- 产业链industrial chain
- 食物链food chain
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 鏈 contains the metal radical 金, indicating its original meaning related to metal chains. The simplified form 链 replaced the right component but kept the metal radical.