Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
线索 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
线索xiànsuǒtrailHSK 6, n, rank #947, Hard
线索xiànsuǒcluesHSK 6, n, rank #947, Hard
线索xiànsuǒthread (of a story)HSK 6, n, rank #947, Hard
xiànsuǒ(xian4suo3) T4
  1. 1trail
  2. 2clues
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
线索(線索)xiànsuǒ(xian4suo3)

线索 (xiàn suǒ) refers to clues or threads that help in solving a mystery or understanding a situation. Commonly used in contexts such as detective stories, investigations, or when discussing narrative elements in literature, it implies a connection that leads to further understanding or discovery.

Frequency#947DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese detective fiction, the concept of 线索 is vital, often reflecting the cultural value placed on intellect and deduction. Popular genres like 'gong'an' (公案) feature intricate plots where uncovering clues is a key theme.

Memory Tip

Think of 线 (xiàn) as a 'line' or 'thread' and 索 (suǒ) as 'to search' or 'to seek'. Imagine a detective following a thread of yarn that leads to a hidden treasure. The thread represents the clues that guide them on their journey.

Meanings of 线索

xiànsuǒ(xian4suo3)
1trail
2clues
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 线索

线索Simplified
線索Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#947Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 线索

JasonAmy

Podcast: 线索

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 线索

Quick Contrast

提示 (tíshì) - use 线索 for clues that lead to deeper investigation, while 提示 is more about giving hints or suggestions.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 线 (xiàn) as a 'line' or 'thread' and 索 (suǒ) as 'to search' or 'to seek'. Imagine a detective following a thread of yarn that leads to a hidden treasure. The thread represents the clues that guide them on their journey.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 线索 with similar terms like 线 (xiàn), which means 'line'. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in narratives and discussions about problem-solving. Common collocations include '寻找线索' (to look for clues) and '失去线索' (to lose a clue).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 线索 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to investigation and analysis. Students should focus on its usage in literary contexts and practice forming sentences that incorporate this word alongside other narrative terms.

Cultural Note

In Chinese detective fiction, the concept of 线索 is vital, often reflecting the cultural value placed on intellect and deduction. Popular genres like 'gong'an' (公案) feature intricate plots where uncovering clues is a key theme.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 线索 with 线 (xiàn), leading to incorrect phrases like '我找到了一个重要的线' (I found an important line). The correct usage would be '线索' to emphasize the clue aspect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 线索

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 线索 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

线xiànthread
HSK 68 strokes
View full entry
Suǒto search
10 strokes
View full entry

Write 线索

线

Practice writing 线索 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 线索

线索 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

警察依据____抓住了坏人。

The police caught the criminal based on clues.

Example Sentences for 线索 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
警方认为那盘录像带可能录有能确认凶手身份的一些重要线索。

jǐng fāng rèn wéi nà pán lù xiàng dài kě néng lù yǒu néng què rèn xiōng shǒu shēn fèn de yī xiē zhòng yào xiàn suǒ。

The police think the videotape may hold some vital clues to the identity of the killer.
2
警察根据线索追根到底,终于抓住了这个罪犯.

jǐng chá gēn jù xiàn suǒ zhuī gēn dào dǐ, , zhōng yú zhuā zhù le zhè gè zuì.

The police followed home the clue and finally caught the culprit.
3
警方急盼任何可能知道这批武器下落的人提供线索。

jǐng fāng jí pàn rèn hé kě néng zhī dào zhè pī wǔ qì xià luò de rén tí gōng xiàn suǒ。

The police are anxious to hear from anyone who may know the whereabouts of the firearms.

Cultural Notes for 线索

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese detective fiction, the concept of 线索 is vital, often reflecting the cultural value placed on intellect and deduction. Popular genres like 'gong'an' (公案) feature intricate plots where uncovering clues is a key theme.

Frequently Asked Questions about 线索

You can say '我找到了一个重要的线索' (I found an important clue).