How to Write 链 (liàn) — Meaning “Chain”

Imagine a metal chain (钅) that you use to connect (连) two objects together. This visual of a metal link joining things helps recall both the sound liàn and the meaning of chain.

Write the radical 钅 first, keeping it narrow and tall. The right part 连 begins with 车 (car) and ends with the walk radical 辶; make sure the 辶 is large enough to enclose 车. A common mistake is making the 钅 too wide or the 辶 too small.

钰 (yù) means precious jade or treasure, and uses 玉 (jade) inside; 钱 (qián) means money, with 戋 (a phonetic component). 链 uses 连 (connect), so it specifically relates to chains or linking. Visually, 链 has a larger right side with 辶, while the others do not.

链 appears in everyday words like 项链 (xiàngliàn, necklace) and 链条 (liàntiáo, a physical chain). It is also very common in technology for 链接 (liànjiē, hyperlink or to link). The word 链接 is used almost daily when talking about internet links.

Common words containing 链 include: 项链 (xiàng liàn) — necklace; 链接 (liàn jiē) — Link / To link; 链条 (liàn tiáo) — Chain.