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Expressing a classifier for lines or clues with 线 (xiàn)
Numbers & Quantity
Structure
Number + 线 + Noun
Explanation
The classifier 线 (xiàn) is used as a measure word associated with lines, threads, or clues. In investigative or detective contexts, 线人 means 'informant' — literally a person on a line of information. It can also function as a noun meaning 'line' or 'clue.'
Examples
警方的线人提供了一条重要线索。
Jǐngfāng de xiànrén tígōng le yī tiáo zhòngyào xiànsuǒ.
The police informant provided an important lead.
这条线索可能帮我们找到真相。
Zhè tiáo xiànsuǒ kěnéng bāng wǒmen zhǎodào zhēnxiàng.
This clue might help us find the truth.
沿着这条线走就能到出口。
Yán zhe zhè tiáo xiàn zǒu jiù néng dào chūkǒu.
Follow this line and you'll reach the exit.