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引用 (yǐn yòng) — to quote, to cite; (computing) to reference

Definition

At HSK 7, 引用 means to quote or cite a source (a passage, data, literature) — narrower than 参考 ('consult for reference') and more formal than 举 (giving an example). Also used in computing for referencing external code/libraries.

verb
to quoteto cite(computing) to reference

Examples

  • 引用。
    Qǐng nín zài wén zhāng zhōng yǐn yòng xiāng guān de shù jù.
    Please cite the relevant data in the article.
  • 引用。
    Zhè piān lùn wén yǐn yòng le xǔ duō jīng diǎn wén xiàn.
    This thesis cites many classic references.
  • 引用。
    Chéng xù yuán zài dài mǎ zhōng yǐn yòng le wài bù kù.
    The programmer referenced an external library in the code.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

引yǐndraw; cite
用yònguse

引 (draw) and 用 (use) work together to mean taking from a source and using it.

Characters in this word

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

  • 弓弓gōngbow
  • 丿丿piěindicatory stroke

引 is made from 弓, a bow, and 丿, a short slant stroke added at the place where the string is pulled, marking the action of drawing or pulling.

Open 引 →

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

用 was formed by adding a handle to an earlier form.

Open 用 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Reading & Writing

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