脉络

• Pinyin: mài luò
• Hanzi breakdown: 脉 = 月 (flesh) + 永 (flowing); 络 = 纟 (silk thread) + 各 (each, phonetic)

Meaning

Veins and arteries; underlying thread; logical structure. The coherent framework or connecting logic running through an argument, text, or event.

Originally refers to the network of blood vessels or the veins of leaves. In academic and analytical writing, 脉络 describes the internal logic, chronological thread, or structural framework of a discourse, historical event, or complex situation.

Examples

1. 这部历史著作梳理了近代中国社会变革的完整脉络，论据翔实，值得深读。 This historical work carefully maps out the full thread of social change in modern China, with solid evidence throughout, and is well worth a close read.
2. 报告的逻辑脉络非常清晰，读者能一眼看出各部分之间的内在关联。 The report’s line of reasoning is very clear; readers can see at a glance how each part is connected.
3. 侦探耐心地整理所有线索，逐渐理清了整个案件的来龙去脉和脉络走向。 The detective patiently sorted through every clue and gradually clarified the full story of the case and how it unfolded.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, academic, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 文章的脉络不清晰，需要重新调整段落顺序。(The article's logical thread is unclear and the paragraph order needs to be rearranged.)
• 要读懂这段历史，必须先了解它的整体脉络。(To understand this period of history, you must first grasp its overall framework.)

Don't Say

• 用'脉络'描述真实可见的血管 — 日常医学语境中谈具体血管应用'血管'或'静脉' (Don't use 脉络 to describe literal blood vessels — use 血管 or 静脉 in medical contexts)

Origin & History

脉 (blood vessel, vein) + 络 (network, connection). Originally the vein network of living organisms, extended figuratively to mean logical framework.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal