(qiàn) — (bound form) towline, rope for pulling a boat

Definition

Bound morph meaning a towrope or towline — never used alone, always part of a compound like 纤绳 or with 拉. Compare to 绳 (general rope) and 缆 (cable/anchor line), both more general.

bound form
(bound form) towlinerope for pulling a boat

Examples

  • Qiàn fū men yòng lì lā zhe qiàn shéng.
    The boat trackers pulled hard on the towline.
  • Zhè tiáo hé de shuǐ qiǎn, chuán xū yào rén lā qiàn.
    The river is shallow here; the boat needs people to tow it.
  • Gǔ dài yùn hé shàng yǒu xǔ duō yǐ lā qiàn wéi shēng de rén.
    On ancient canals there were many people who made a living by towing boats.

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