联 (lián) - To unite, join, connect & an alliance, union

联Tone 2

lián ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

联 · lián

To unite, join, connect;

an alliance, union;

couplet (poetic form);

used in words for communication, federation, association.

To unite, join, connectan alliance, unioncouplet (poetic form)

Usage highlights

Union/AllianceContact/ConnectionUnited NationsCoupletFederationJoint/Combined

Synonyms

  • 合— to combine, join
  • 结— to tie, form
  • 盟— alliance, oath

Antonyms

  • 分— to separate, divide
  • 离— to leave, separate
  • 断— to break, sever

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The two companies formed an alliance (联盟).
  • We need to strengthen communication and contact (联系).
  • He wrote a poetic couplet (对联).
  • The United Nations (联合国) is an international organization.

Collocations

  • Union/Alliance(联盟)
  • Contact/Connection(联系)
  • United Nations(联合国)
  • Couplet(对联)
  • Federation(联邦)
  • Joint/Combined(联合)

Idioms

  • Pearls joined together, jade linked together — elegant style(珠联璧合)
  • Three unions and five alliances — multiple marriages(三联五盟)
  • Float and sink are connected — sharing weal and woe(浮沉联联)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used in the context of alliances between states or families.
  • Important in Chinese poetry, especially in the form of 'duilian' (couplets) displayed during festivals.
  • Represents connection and harmony in relationships and organizations.

FAQ