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在线 (zài xiàn) — (verb) to be online, online

Definition

在线 is a verb meaning 'to be online' (a user, device, or service). 网上 is a noun for 'the internet' as a place or domain (在网上看新闻 = 'read news online'); 线上 is a more formal, business/tech variant.

verb
to be onlineonline
Easily confused

Examples

  • 在线？。
    Nǐ zài xiàn ma? wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ shì pín.
    Are you online? I want to video chat with you.
  • 在线。
    Zhè ge ruǎn jiàn kě yǐ zài xiàn gēng xīn.
    This software can update online.
  • 在线。
    Hěn duō rén zài zài xiàn kàn xīn wén.
    Many people read news online.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

在zàibe at
线xiànline

在线 combines 在 “at” with 线 “line”, giving the sense of being on a network line.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

The early form of 在 used 才 for its sound; a second sound part 士 was added later, and that 士 became the 土 seen in 在.

Open 在 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 線; 线 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
糹Written in full as糸mì
Sound part声符shēngfú
泉
泉quán線xiàn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 線 uses 糹 (silk/thread) to show the meaning and 泉 to suggest the sound; the simplified 线 is a later shorthand.

Open 线 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 5Computers & Internet

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