COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 线 is built
Traditional etymology note: 纟 (thread) suggests the meaning, while 戋 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 线 (xiàn) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
thread
xiànTone 4 (Falling)Drop your pitch sharply and firmly.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 8 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
xiàn
线
thread
Common words
xiàn shàng
线上
online
xiàn xià
线下
offline; below the line
guāng xiàn
光线
light ray; light; illumination; lighting (for a photograph)
lù xiàn
路线
itinerary; route; political line (e.g. right revisionist road)
xiàn lù
线路
(electricity) line; circuit; wire; (traffic) road; track; route
zài xiàn
在线
online
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
线
线
线
线
线
线
线
线
LEARNING TIP
Remember 线
Say “xiàn” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 8 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 线
Common words and phrases
xiàn shàng
online
xiàn xià
offline; below the line
guāng xiàn
light ray; light; illumination; lighting (for a photograph)
lù xiàn
itinerary; route; political line (e.g. right revisionist road)
xiàn lù
(electricity) line; circuit; wire; (traffic) road; track; route
zài xiàn
online
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 线?
线 is written with 8 strokes.
What does 线 (xiàn) mean?
线 (xiàn) means thread.
What is the radical of 线?
The radical of 线 is 纟, associated with Not yet classified.