系列

• Pinyin: xì liè
• Hanzi breakdown: 系 = 糸 (silk/thread) — to connect; 列 = 歹 (classifier) + 刀 (knife) — to arrange in a row

Meaning

Series; a set of related items, works, or events sharing a common theme or sequence.

Used to describe a group of books, films, products, or events that are connected as part of a series. Implies an organised, sequential relationship between the items. Very common in publishing, entertainment, and product marketing.

Examples

1. 这套系列小说共有十二本，我已经看了五本。 This novel series has twelve books in total, and I have already read five.
2. 公司推出了一系列新产品，受到消费者的欢迎。 The company launched a series of new products that were well received by consumers.
3. 这位导演拍了一系列以历史为背景的电影。 This director has made a series of films set against historical backdrops.

Usage Guide

Context: media, business, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个系列的产品设计统一，风格一致。(The products in this series have a unified design and consistent style.)
• 他们推出了一系列环保措施。(They launched a series of environmental protection measures.)

Don't Say

• 把系列用于完全独立、没有关联的事物。(Don't use 系列 for completely unrelated items — 系列 implies a purposeful connection or thematic sequence.)

Origin & History

Compound of 系 (connect/relate) and 列 (arrange in a row), together meaning 'a connected arrangement in sequence.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal