HSK · Level 45
120 words
Chinese word
线条
Pronunciation
Pinyinxiàn tiáo
Meaning
- nounline
Example
这张地图上有很多线条。zhè zhāng dì tú shàng yǒu hěn duō xiàn tiáo
There are many lines on this map.
More examples
素描作品中，稳定的线条能增强立体感。sù miáo zuò pǐn zhōng wěn dìng de xiàn tiáo néng zēng qiáng lì tí gǎn
In a sketch, steady lines can enhance the sense of depth.
Core concept
A slender visual path that gives a picture its outline, structure, or decorative detail.
Common phrases
清晰的线条qīng xī de xiàn tiáo
clear lines
流畅的线条liú chàng de xiàn tiáo
flowing lines
细密的线条xì mì de xiàn tiáo
fine lines
Similar words
线xiàn: A line connecting one point to another to show a shape, position, route, or boundary.
轮廓lún kuò: The line surrounding an object that shows its outer shape.
Definition in Chinese
表示形状、轮廓或图案的细长线，常用来表示边界、笔画或装饰性的条纹。biǎo shì xíng zhuàng lún kuò huò tú àn de xì cháng xiàn cháng yòng lái biǎo shì biān jiè bǐ huà huò zhuāng shì xìng de tiáo wén
Word origin
线 (xiàn, "thread or line") provides the idea of a thin mark, while 条 (tiáo, "a long narrow strip") presents it as an extended form, producing 线条 (xiàntiáo, "line").
Usage tips
- English applies one common word to queues, telephone services, and sentences, but this Chinese noun stays centered on marks that make a shape or pattern.
Opposites
- 色块sè kuàisolid blocks of colornoun