How to Write 线 (xiàn) — Meaning “line, thread, wire”

Imagine a straight 'line' drawn with a thin 'silk' thread (纟). The right side 戋 looks like two little lines stacked on top of each other, reminding you that it means a line or thread. This visual trick helps connect the shape to the meaning.

The left radical 纟 is written first in three strokes: horizontal turn, diagonal hook, then a short horizontal. The right side 戋 has five strokes: a horizontal, a diagonal stroke, another horizontal, a diagonal stroke, and a final horizontal. Keep the left part narrow and the right part slightly wider to avoid an unbalanced look.

All three characters use the same left radical 纟, but their right sides are different. 线 has 戋 on the right, 纡 has 于 (yú), and 红 has 工 (gōng). The meanings also differ: 线 means line or thread, 纡 means circuitous or bent, and 红 means red.

You will see 线 in common words like 直线 (straight line), 路线 (route or path), and 毛线 (woolen yarn). It is also used for electric wires (电线) and telephone lines (电话线). In modern Chinese, it is a very practical character for describing any long, thin object.

Common words containing 线 include: 毛线 (máo xiàn) — Woolen yarn; 直线 (zhí xiàn) — straight line; 路线 (lù xiàn) — Route.