Definition
缕 (lǚ) is a classifier for slender, wispy things like strands of hair, wisps of smoke, beams of light, or puffs of fragrance — it emphasizes delicacy and airiness. 线 (xiàn) as a classifier is more concrete, used for rays of light, threads, or abstract threads (e.g., hope). 缕 is more poetic and specific to wispy, intangible things.
classifier
for slenderwispy things: strands (of hair)wisps (of smoke/mist)beams (of light)puffs (of fragrance)
Easily confused
- 楼lóulook-alikebuilding (with more than one story)
- 搂lǒulook-aliketo hug, to embrace
- 屡lǚlook-alikerepeatedly, time and again (formal/literary; commonly used in 屡次)
Examples
- 缕。Yì lǚ yángguāng zhào jìn le fángjiān.A beam of sunlight shone into the room.
- 缕。Tā de tóu shàng yǒu yì lǚ jīnsè de tóufa.She has a strand of golden hair on her head.
- 缕。Chábēi lǐ piāo chū yì lǚ dàndàn de cháxiāng.A faint aroma of tea wafts out of the teacup.
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