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Referring to 'thread' or 'line' with 线 (xiàn)
Structure
Modifier + 线
Explanation
The character 线 (xiàn) means "thread," "line," or "wire" depending on context. In everyday use, it can refer to sewing thread, telephone lines, or abstract lines. In the poem 游子吟, 线 refers to the sewing thread a mother uses to stitch her son's clothing before his departure.
Examples
奶奶穿针引线，用一根线缝好了我的书包。
nǎinai chuān zhēn yǐn xiàn, yòng yī gēn xiàn fénghǎole wǒ de shūbāo.
Grandma threaded the needle and used a single thread to sew up my schoolbag.
这条线太细了，我怎么也穿不进针眼里。
zhè tiáo xiàn tài xìle, wǒ zěnme yě chuān bù jìn zhēnyǎn lǐ.
This thread is too thin; no matter what I do, I can't get it through the eye of the needle.
她买了几卷彩色的线，准备给女儿织围巾。
tā mǎile jǐ juǎn cǎisè de xiàn, zhǔnbèi gěi nǚér zhī wéijīn.
She bought several rolls of colored thread, planning to knit a scarf for her daughter.