联在 (lián zài) — to be linked/connected at (used in phrases like 联在一起)

Definition

A resultative construction meaning something ends up linked, pinned, or attached to a place, person, or thing. It marks the outcome of a linking action, not the action itself (compare the action verb 联结).

verb
to be linked/connected at (used in phrases like 联在一起)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 联在。
    Zhè liǎng gè shì jiàn jǐn mì lián zài yì qǐ.
    These two events are closely linked together.
  • 联在。
    Tā men de mìng yùn lián zài zhè tiáo hé liú shàng.
    Their fate is tied to this river.
  • 联在。
    Suǒ yǒu wèn tí dōu lián zài tā shēn shàng le.
    All the problems are pinned on her.

Origin

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 聯; 联 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 聯 combines 耳 (ear) and 絲 (silk); 联 is a simplified form of 聯.

Open 联 →

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 →

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