Meaning of 线索
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- trail
- clues
- thread (of a story)
How to use 线索
线索 is a noun used for clues in an investigation, leads in a search, or the main thread of a story. It often appears with verbs like 找 (zhǎo, to look for), 提供 (tígōng, to provide), and 发现 (fāxiàn, to discover). Example: 警察找到了一条重要线索。(Jǐngchá zhǎodào le yì tiáo zhòngyào xiànsuǒ.) The police found an important clue.
线 (xiàn) means thread or line, and 索 (suǒ) means rope or to search. Picture following a thread or rope step by step until it leads you to the answer, and you have a clue.
Common mistake: Learners often use the wrong measure word. 线索 takes 条 (tiáo), like other long, thread-like things, so say 一条线索 rather than 一个线索 in careful speech. Also keep 索 (suǒ) in the third tone, and do not confuse it with 锁 (suǒ, lock), which sounds the same.
线索 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
线 xiàn · thread · 8 strokes
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索 suǒ · cable · 10 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 线索.
| 路线 | lùxiàn | itinerary; route |
| 搜索 | sōusuǒ | to search (a place, a database, online etc); to search for (sth) |
| 光线 | guāngxiàn | light ray; light |
| 直线 | zhíxiàn | straight line; sharply (rise or fall) |
| 探索 | tànsuǒ | to explore; to probe |
| 线路 | xiànlù | (electricity) line; circuit; wire; (traffic) road; track; route |
| 热线 | rèxiàn | hotline (communications link) |
| 无线电 | wúxiàndiàn | radio; wireless (i.e. the technology used in radio telecommunication); a radio |
| 前线 | qiánxiàn | front line; military front |
| 视线 | shìxiàn | line of sight |
| 电线 | diànxiàn | wire; power cord |
| 在线 | zàixiàn | online; connected to the Internet; (fig.) (coll.) (of a person) mentally focused; engaged; |
Questions about 线索
What does 线索 mean?
线索 (xiànsuǒ) means "trail; clues" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 线索?
线索 is made of 2 characters: 线 (8 strokes), 索 (10 strokes). That is 18 strokes in total.
Is 线索 an HSK word?
Yes. 线索 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 线索 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 线索 is written 線索.
Can 线索 be used for hints in a puzzle or game?
Yes. 线索 works for any clue that helps you figure something out, including riddles, escape rooms, and detective games. For a quick hint given to help someone guess, people also say 提示 (tíshì).
What is the difference between 线索 and 证据?
线索 is a lead that points you in a direction but may not prove anything. 证据 (zhèngjù) is evidence that can actually prove a fact. A 线索 can lead you to 证据.