连接

• Pinyin: lián jiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 连 = 辶 (walk) + 车 (vehicle), vehicles moving in succession; 接 = 扌(hand) + 妾 (concubine), hand receiving

Meaning

To connect; to link. Joining two or more things together physically or conceptually.

Used for physical connections like cables or roads, as well as abstract connections like networks, systems, or ideas. Common in technical, transportation, and digital contexts. Can describe both the action of connecting and the state of being connected.

Examples

1. 这条高速公路连接了北京和天津两座城市。 This highway connects the two cities of Beijing and Tianjin.
2. 请确认你的手机已经连接到无线网络。 Please confirm that your phone is connected to the wireless network.
3. 这座新建的大桥连接了河两岸的居民区。 This newly built bridge connects the residential areas on both sides of the river.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, transportation, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这两个系统已经成功连接了。(These two systems have been successfully connected.)
• 地铁连接了城市的各个区域。(The subway connects all areas of the city.)

Don't Say

• 我和他连接得很好。(For interpersonal relationships, use 关系好 or 联系紧密 — 连接 is for physical/technical connections)

Origin & History

连 (lián, continuous/link) + 接 (jiē, to connect/receive). Both characters emphasize joining or linking.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal