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B1 noun, verb #700 most common 9 min read

联系

lianxi Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 联系 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 联系 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '联系' (liánxì) as a simple way to say 'contact.' You will mostly use it when asking for someone's phone number or telling a new friend to 'stay in touch.' It is often paired with '我' (me) or '你' (you). For example, '联系我' (Contact me) is a phrase you might learn early on. At this stage, don't worry about the complex logical meanings; just think of it as the word you use when you want to talk to someone later. It's a very useful 'survival' word for making friends and getting help in a Chinese-speaking environment. You might see it on a business card or a sign. Just remember the sound 'lián-xì' and that it means 'get in touch.'

At the A2 level, you start to use '联系' in more complete sentences. You should learn the pattern '跟我联系' (Contact with me) or '给你联系' (Contact you). You will also encounter the term '联系方式' (liánxì fāngshì), which means 'contact method' or 'contact information.' This is very important for filling out forms or asking for someone's WeChat. You might also learn '保持联系' (bǎochí liánxì), which means 'keep in touch.' This is a polite way to end a conversation. At this level, you are beginning to see '联系' as a bridge between people. You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it in basic social interactions and daily life tasks like making an appointment.

At the B1 level, which is where this word is officially categorized, you should understand both the verb and noun forms. You will use it to describe connections between things, not just people. For example, '这两件事有联系' (These two things have a connection). You will also learn to use it in more formal contexts, like business emails or school assignments. You should be able to distinguish '联系' from '关系' (relationship). You'll start to see it in phrases like '联系实际' (connect to reality) or '联系上下文' (connect to the context). This level requires you to use the word to express more abstract thoughts and to coordinate more complex tasks, like contacting a company for information or discussing the link between two ideas.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '联系' in professional and academic settings. You will use it to describe complex interrelationships, such as '密切联系' (close connection) or '必然联系' (inevitable connection). You will understand its role in formal writing, where it might be used to link different parts of an argument. You should also be aware of its synonyms like '联络' or '沟通' and know when to choose '联系' over them. For example, you would use '联系' to describe the relationship between economic growth and education. Your usage should be fluid, and you should be able to use it as a noun, verb, or adjective (in '联系人') without hesitation in both spoken and written Chinese.

At the C1 level, '联系' becomes a tool for nuanced analysis. You will use it to discuss philosophical or high-level systemic connections. You might use phrases like '千丝万缕的联系' (countless ties/inextricably linked) to describe deep, complex relationships between historical events or cultural movements. You will also use it in the passive voice or in complex grammatical structures. At this level, you understand the subtle differences between '联系' and more formal terms like '关联' (correlation) or '纽带' (bond/link). You can use '联系' to synthesize information from multiple sources, explaining how different concepts are interconnected in a sophisticated way. Your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of Chinese logic and formal rhetoric.

At the C2 level, you use '联系' with the precision of a native scholar or professional. You can use it to discuss the 'universal connection of things' (万事万物的普遍联系) in a dialectical or philosophical context. You are able to use the word in highly specialized fields, such as law, science, or literature, where the 'connection' might refer to a specific legal nexus or a literary motif. You can also appreciate and use the word in creative writing or high-level oratory to create emphasis or poetic resonance. Your mastery of '联系' is complete, allowing you to use it to weave together complex ideas, social networks, and logical proofs with total clarity and cultural appropriateness. It is no longer just a word, but a fundamental concept in your Chinese-language worldview.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

联系 in 30 Seconds

联系 (liánxì) is a B1-level word meaning 'contact' or 'connection,' used as both a verb and a noun in daily and professional life.
It is the standard way to say 'get in touch' with someone, often used with the preposition '跟' (gēn).
Beyond social contact, it describes the logical or physical link between two or more objects, ideas, or events.
Common phrases include '联系方式' (contact info), '保持联系' (keep in touch), and '联系实际' (connect to reality).

The Chinese word 联系 (liánxì) is a versatile and essential term that functions as both a noun and a verb. At its core, it represents the concept of 'connection' or 'contact.' For English speakers, understanding this word is a gateway to navigating both social interactions and logical relationships in Chinese. Whether you are trying to get someone's phone number, describing the link between two scientific phenomena, or discussing business networking, liánxì is the word you will reach for most often.

As a Verb (To Contact): In daily life, it most frequently means to get in touch with someone via phone, email, or in person. It is the standard way to say 'I will contact you' or 'Please keep in touch.'

请随时跟我联系。 (Qǐng suíshí gēn wǒ liánxì.) - Please contact me at any time.

As a Noun (Connection/Link): It refers to the abstract or physical bond between things. This could be the relationship between two ideas, the link between cause and effect, or the ties between two organizations.

In a professional setting, liánxì is indispensable. You will hear it in phrases like '联系人' (liánxì rén) meaning 'contact person' or '联系方式' (liánxì fāngshì) meaning 'contact information.' It carries a neutral, polite tone that makes it suitable for both formal emails and casual WeChat messages. When you use it as a verb, it often follows the pattern 'A 跟/与 B 联系' (A contacts B). As a noun, it often appears in the pattern 'A 和 B 之间有联系' (There is a connection between A and B). This word is foundational for B1 learners because it transitions from simple daily actions to more complex abstract thinking.

这两件事之间没有什么联系。 (Zhè liǎng jiàn shì zhījiān méiyǒu shéme liánxì.) - There is no connection between these two things.

Historically, the characters themselves tell a story. '联' (lián) suggests joining or uniting, while '系' (xì) refers to a system or a thread. Together, they paint a picture of things being tied together into a coherent whole. This is why the word feels so structural. It is not just about a random meeting; it is about establishing a bridge. Whether you are a student reaching out to a professor or a scientist linking data points, liánxì provides the linguistic thread that binds your thoughts and actions together.

Using 联系 (liánxì) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can act as the main action of a sentence or as a noun modified by adjectives. Let's break down the most common structures to help you speak more naturally.

Pattern 1: Verb usage (Subject + 跟/和 + Person + 联系): This is the most common way to say 'contact someone.' Note that in Chinese, you usually 'with' someone contact, rather than just 'contacting' them directly as a direct object without a preposition, though '联系 + Person' is also becoming common in modern informal speech.

我会尽快跟你联系。 (Wǒ huì jǐnkuài gēn nǐ liánxì.) - I will contact you as soon as possible.

Pattern 2: Noun usage (A 和 B 之间的联系): When describing a link between two concepts, objects, or people. You can describe this connection as 'close' (密切 - mìqiè) or 'weak' (薄弱 - bóruò).

理论必须联系实际。 (Lǐlùn bìxū liánxì shíjì.) - Theory must be connected to practice.

In business contexts, you will often use it to ask for information. For example, '请留下您的联系方式' (Please leave your contact information). Here, '联系' acts as an attributive modifying '方式' (method/way). It is polite and professional. Another common usage is '保持联系' (bǎochí liánxì), which translates to 'keep in touch.' This is a standard way to end a conversation with a friend or a business partner you've just met. It signifies a desire for future interaction without being overly specific about when or how.

我们已经失去了联系。 (Wǒmen yǐjīng shīqùle liánxì.) - We have already lost touch.

Finally, consider the nuance of '联系' in academic or logical writing. It is used to describe the 'interconnectedness' of the world. For instance, '万物都是有联系的' (Everything is interconnected). This highlights the word's ability to scale from a simple phone call to a grand philosophical statement about the universe. By mastering these patterns, you move beyond simple translation and begin to think in the logical structures that native Chinese speakers use every day.

You will encounter 联系 (liánxì) in almost every facet of modern Chinese life. From the digital world of WeChat to the formal halls of a university, its presence is constant. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild and use it with the right level of formality.

Digital and Social Media: On apps like WeChat or LinkedIn, you'll see '添加联系人' (Add contact). When someone says '加个微信，方便联系' (Add me on WeChat to make it easier to stay in touch), they are using the word to bridge the gap between a first meeting and a future relationship.

你有他的联系方式吗？ (Nǐ yǒu tā de liánxì fāngshì ma?) - Do you have his contact information?

Workplace and Business: In an office, '联系' is the go-to word for coordination. A manager might say, '你去联系一下供应商' (Go contact the supplier). It implies a professional task of communication. It's also used in '业务联系' (business contact/liaison).

In news and media, you will hear it when reporters discuss international relations or economic links. For example, '两国之间的经济联系日益紧密' (The economic ties between the two countries are becoming increasingly close). Here, it takes on a more formal, macro-level meaning. You might also see it on websites under the '联系我们' (Contact Us) section, which is the standard translation for customer service portals.

请看网站底部的“联系我们”。 (Qǐng kàn wǎngzhàn dǐbù de “liánxì wǒmen”.) - Please look at the 'Contact Us' at the bottom of the website.

Even in education, teachers will ask students to '联系上下文' (liánxì shàngxiàwén), which means 'to consider the context' or 'to link the preceding and following text' to understand a word's meaning. This demonstrates the word's versatility in describing logical connections. Whether you are reading a textbook, browsing a website, or chatting with a colleague, liánxì is the invisible thread connecting all these interactions.

While 联系 (liánxì) is common, learners often confuse it with similar words or use it in English-influenced structures that don't quite sound right in Chinese. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more authentic.

Mistake 1: Confusing '联系' (liánxì) with '关系' (guānxì): This is the most frequent error. '联系' is the *act* of contacting or a *logical* link. '关系' is the *state* of a relationship or 'connections' in the sense of social capital. You '联系' a friend to maintain your '关系'. You don't '关系' a friend.

Incorrect: 我想跟他有联系。(I want to have a relationship with him - implies just staying in touch). Correct: 我想跟他建立关系。(I want to establish a relationship with him).

Mistake 2: Missing the Preposition '跟' or '和': In English, we say 'Contact me.' In Chinese, it's more natural to say 'With me contact' (跟我联系). While '联系我' is acceptable in some contexts, '跟我联系' is the standard, more idiomatic way to phrase it.

Another common confusion is between '联系' and '联络' (liánluò). While they are often interchangeable, '联络' often carries a nuance of 'networking' or 'liaising,' especially in phrases like '联络感情' (to strengthen emotional ties/socialize). '联系' is more general and can be used for inanimate objects (like ideas), whereas '联络' is almost always between people. Finally, don't use '联系' when you mean 'to connect' in a physical, mechanical sense (like plugging in a cable); for that, use '连接' (liánjiē).

Incorrect: 请把电脑联系到网络。(Please contact the computer to the network). Correct: 请把电脑连接到网络。(Please connect the computer to the network).

By being mindful of these distinctions—social vs. logical, human vs. mechanical, and the necessary prepositions—you will avoid the 'foreigner's accent' in your grammar and speak with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly master 联系 (liánxì), you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. This will allow you to choose the most precise word for any given situation.

1. 联络 (liánluò): Very similar to '联系' but more focused on the social aspect of maintaining a relationship. It is often used in '联络感情' (to nurture a relationship). It sounds slightly more active in terms of networking.
2. 连接 (liánjiē): Used for physical or technical connections. Think of connecting pipes, wires, or a computer to the internet. It is more about the 'linkage' than the 'communication'.
3. 沟通 (gōutōng): Means 'to communicate.' While '联系' is the act of reaching out, '沟通' is the actual exchange of ideas and ensuring mutual understanding. You '联系' someone so that you can '沟通' with them.

我们需要更多的沟通来解决问题。 (Wǒmen xūyào gèng duō de gōutōng lái jiějué wèntí.) - We need more communication to solve the problem.

Other alternatives include '结合' (jiéhé - to combine/integrate), which is used when two things are joined to form a whole, and '关联' (guānlián - to be related/correlated), which is more formal and often used in technical or academic contexts to describe a correlation between data points. If you want to say 'get in touch' in a very informal way, you might just say '找' (zhǎo - to look for/find), as in '有事找我' (If something's up, find me/contact me).

Summary Table

联系: General contact or logical link.
联络: Social networking/liaising.
连接: Physical/technical connection.
沟通: Two-way communication of ideas.
关联: Formal correlation/interrelation.

By understanding these subtle differences, you can avoid using a 'technical' word in a 'social' situation, or a 'social' word in a 'logical' argument. This precision is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 系 (xì) is also used for 'department' in universities (e.g., 中文系 - Chinese Department), showing how the idea of a 'system' or 'connection' applies to organizational structures.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /liæn ɕi/

US /liæn ɕi/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the falling tone on 'xì' gives it a sharp ending.

Rhymes With

学习 (xuéxí) 游戏 (yóuxì) 珍惜 (zhēnxī) 信息 (xìnxī) 休息 (xiūxi) 主席 (zhǔxí) 细 (xì) 记 (jì)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xì' as 'zì' or 'sì'.
Using the third tone for 'lián' instead of the second.
Mumbling the 'i' in 'lián', making it sound like 'lan'.
Confusing the 'x' sound with the English 'x' sound.
Failing to drop the pitch enough on the fourth tone 'xì'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but very common.

Writing 4/5

Writing '联系' requires practice with the many strokes in '联' and '系'.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very easy to recognize in conversation due to high frequency.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

跟和我你电话

Learn Next

关系联络沟通方式

Advanced

关联纽带因果辩证

Grammar to Know

Using '跟' as a preposition for 'with'.

跟我联系 (Contact with me).

Resultative complements '到' for successful action.

联系到了 (Successfully contacted).

The 'A 和 B 之间' structure for relationships.

A 和 B 之间的联系。

Using '保持' (keep) with abstract nouns.

保持联系。

Using '失去' (lose) with abstract nouns.

失去联系。

Examples by Level

请联系我。

Please contact me.

Simple imperative sentence.

我们要联系。

We need to stay in touch.

Subject + modal verb + verb.

怎么联系你？

How can I contact you?

Question word '怎么' used for method.

这是我的联系电话。

This is my contact phone number.

Noun used as an adjective.

他没联系我。

He didn't contact me.

Negative '没' used with past action.

我想联系他。

I want to contact him.

Verb '想' + '联系'.

请给我你的联系方式。

Please give me your contact information.

Standard polite request.

再联系！

Let's talk again!

Common parting phrase.

我会跟你联系的。

I will contact you.

Future intent with '会...的'.

请留下你的联系方式。

Please leave your contact information.

Polite request in a formal setting.

我们经常保持联系。

We often keep in touch.

Adverb '经常' + '保持联系'.

你可以通过邮件联系他。

You can contact him via email.

Using '通过' (through) for method.

他还没跟我联系。

He hasn't contacted me yet.

Use of '还没' (not yet).

这是我们的联系人。

This is our contact person.

Compound noun '联系人'.

我有他的联系地址。

I have his contact address.

Possessive '他的' + noun phrase.

请尽快联系我们。

Please contact us as soon as possible.

Adverb '尽快' (as soon as possible).

这两件事之间有联系吗？

Is there a connection between these two things?

Noun usage in a question.

我们需要联系实际来解决问题。

We need to connect to reality to solve the problem.

Verb '联系' with abstract object '实际'.

他和那个公司有业务联系。

He has business contacts with that company.

Specific noun phrase '业务联系'.

请联系上下文理解这个词。

Please consider the context to understand this word.

Common academic instruction.

我们已经失去了联系。

We have already lost touch.

Verb '失去' (to lose) + noun '联系'.

他们之间有着密切的联系。

There is a close connection between them.

Adjective '密切' (close) modifying '联系'.

这种病和环境有联系。

This disease is connected to the environment.

Expressing a causal or logical link.

请把理论和实践联系起来。

Please link theory and practice together.

Resultative complement '起来' used with '联系'.

互联网加强了人与人之间的联系。

The internet has strengthened the connections between people.

Verb '加强' (strengthen) + noun '联系'.

这两者之间没有必然的联系。

There is no inevitable connection between these two.

Adjective '必然' (inevitable) modifying '联系'.

他试图联系各方面的专家。

He tried to contact experts from various fields.

Verb '试图' (attempt) + '联系'.

我们需要建立更紧密的联系。

We need to establish closer ties.

Verb '建立' (establish) + '联系'.

这个发现与之前的研究有联系。

This discovery is linked to previous research.

Using '与...有联系' structure.

请说明这两点之间的逻辑联系。

Please explain the logical connection between these two points.

Specific adjective '逻辑' (logical).

由于通讯中断，我们无法取得联系。

Due to a communication breakdown, we cannot get in touch.

Formal phrase '取得联系' (get in touch).

他通过朋友联系到了那位导演。

He got in touch with that director through a friend.

Resultative complement '到' indicating success.

文化与语言有着千丝万缕的联系。

Culture and language are inextricably linked.

Idiom '千丝万缕' (countless ties).

这一政策与民生息息相关，联系紧密。

This policy is closely related to people's livelihoods and is tightly connected.

Using '息息相关' alongside '联系'.

我们必须从整体上把握事物之间的联系。

We must grasp the connections between things from a holistic perspective.

Formal verb '把握' (grasp/understand).

这篇文章深刻地揭示了两者之间的内在联系。

This article profoundly reveals the internal connection between the two.

Adjective '内在' (internal/intrinsic).

他切断了与外界的一切联系。

He cut off all contact with the outside world.

Verb '切断' (cut off) + '联系'.

我们要用发展的眼光看问题，联系地看问题。

We should look at problems with a developmental perspective and in a connected way.

Using '联系地' as an adverbial phrase.

这种现象与全球气候变暖有直接联系。

This phenomenon is directly linked to global warming.

Adjective '直接' (direct) modifying '联系'.

他的成功与他的勤奋有着不可分割的联系。

His success is inseparably linked to his diligence.

Adjective '不可分割' (inseparable).

唯物辩证法认为，世界是普遍联系的统一整体。

Materialist dialectics holds that the world is a unified whole of universal connections.

Philosophical terminology.

文学作品的社会意义往往与其时代背景有着复杂的联系。

The social significance of literary works often has complex links with their historical background.

Sophisticated academic analysis.

通过对数据的深度挖掘，我们发现了隐藏的因果联系。

Through deep data mining, we discovered hidden causal links.

Technical term '因果联系' (causal link).

这种艺术风格与古代图腾崇拜有着某种神秘的联系。

This artistic style has a certain mysterious connection with ancient totem worship.

Nuanced adjective '神秘' (mysterious).

在外交领域，保持非正式联系往往比正式接触更有效。

In the field of diplomacy, maintaining informal contacts is often more effective than formal contact.

Comparative structure in a formal context.

他试图在零散的史料中寻找某种必然的逻辑联系。

He tried to find some inevitable logical connection among the scattered historical materials.

Complex noun phrase '零散的史料'.

法律的效力与社会的道德准则有着深层的联系。

The effectiveness of law has a deep-seated connection with social moral standards.

Abstract noun '深层' (deep-seated/deep-level).

这种跨学科的研究方法旨在揭示不同领域间的交叉联系。

This interdisciplinary research method aims to reveal the cross-connections between different fields.

Academic term '交叉联系' (cross-connection).

Synonyms

关联关系联络沟通往来

Antonyms

脱节断绝孤立

Common Collocations

密切联系

取得联系

失去联系

联系方式

联系人

联系实际

联系上下文

加强联系

直接联系

逻辑联系

Common Phrases

保持联系

— To keep in touch with someone.

常联系，保持联系！

取得联系

— To successfully get in touch with someone.

我还没跟他取得联系。

联系我们

— Contact Us (common on websites).

点击“联系我们”获取更多信息。

业务联系

— Business contact or liaison.

我们之间只有业务联系。

失去联系

— To lose touch with someone.

搬家后我们就失去联系了。

加强联系

— To strengthen ties or communication.

两国决定加强经贸联系。

建立联系

— To establish a connection or contact.

我们需要和当地政府建立联系。

联系地址

— Contact address.

请填写您的联系地址。

联系电话

— Contact phone number.

你的联系电话是多少？

联系实际

— To relate to reality or practice.

理论必须联系实际。

Often Confused With

联系 vs 关系

Focuses on the state of relationship or social ties, while '联系' is the act of contact or logical link.

联系 vs 联络

More focused on social networking and maintaining emotional bonds between people.

联系 vs 连接

Used for physical, mechanical, or technical connections (like wires or internet).

Idioms & Expressions

"千丝万缕"

— Countless ties; inextricably linked.

这两件事有着千丝万缕的联系。

Literary/Formal

"息息相关"

— Closely linked; vital to one another.

环境问题与我们的生活息息相关。

Neutral/Formal

"藕断丝连"

— The lotus root is broken but the fibers remain joined; still lingering ties (often romantic).

他们虽然分手了，但还藕断丝连。

Informal/Literary

"环环相扣"

— Linked together like rings; closely interlocked.

故事情节环环相扣，引人入胜。

Neutral/Formal

"休戚相关"

— Bound by common interests; sharing joy and sorrow.

个人与国家的命运是休戚相关的。

Formal

"唇亡齿寒"

— If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; mutually dependent.

这两家公司唇亡齿寒，必须互相支持。

Formal/Literary

"形影不离"

— Inseparable as a body and its shadow.

他们两个总是形影不离。

Informal

"互通有无"

— To exchange what one has for what one needs; mutual help.

两国在贸易上互通有无。

Formal

"并肩作战"

— To fight side by side; to work closely together.

我们曾一起并肩作战多年。

Neutral

"心心相印"

— Two hearts beat as one; mutual understanding and attraction.

他们是一对心心相印的恋人。

Literary

Easily Confused

联系 vs 关系

Both translate to 'connection' or 'relationship' in English.

Guānxì is about the bond itself (e.g., family, friends); Liánxì is about the communication or logical link.

我们关系很好，所以经常联系。

联系 vs 联络

They are almost synonyms in many contexts.

Liánluò is more active and social; Liánxì is more general and can apply to inanimate things.

他负责联络校友。

联系 vs 连接

Both mean 'connect.'

Liánjiē is physical/technical; Liánxì is social/logical.

请连接充电器。

联系 vs 沟通

Both involve talking to people.

Gōutōng is the process of understanding; Liánxì is just the act of getting in touch.

联系之后，我们需要深入沟通。

联系 vs 关联

Both mean 'connection' in a formal sense.

Guānlián is usually a noun or a formal verb for correlation; Liánxì is more common as a general verb.

这两者之间存在某种关联。

Sentence Patterns

请联系 + Person

请联系我。

跟 + Person + 联系

跟他联系。

A 和 B 之间有联系

这两件事之间有联系。

保持 + 联系

我们要保持联系。

通过 + Method + 联系

通过邮件联系。

取得 + 联系

我还没跟他取得联系。

联系 + 实际/上下文

我们要联系实际。

必然/内在 + 联系

这是必然的联系。

Word Family

Nouns

联系人 (Contact person)

联系方式 (Contact method)

联系电话 (Contact number)

业务联系 (Business contact)

Verbs

联系 (To contact)

取得联系 (To get in touch)

保持联系 (To keep in touch)

失去联系 (To lose touch)

Adjectives

联系的 (Connected)

有联系的 (Related)

联络

连接

关系

关联

纽带

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using '联系' for physical connections. → 连接 (liánjiē)
Don't say '联系电脑到网络'; say '连接电脑到网络'.
Confusing '联系' with '关系'. → 关系 (guānxì)
Don't say '我们有很好的联系' when you mean 'We have a good relationship'.
Omitting the preposition '跟'. → 跟我联系
While '联系我' is okay, '跟我联系' is more idiomatic.
Using '联系' when '沟通' is better. → 沟通 (gōutōng)
If you mean deep communication or solving a misunderstanding, use '沟通'.
Mispronouncing the tones. → liánxì (2nd and 4th)
Incorrect tones can lead to confusion with other words like '练习' (practice - liànxí).

Tips

Use with '跟'

Always remember that 'A 跟 B 联系' is the most natural structure for contacting someone.

Learn the compounds

Words like '联系人' and '联系方式' are used daily. Memorize them as single units.

Ending a chat

Saying '以后多联系' is a great way to show you enjoyed the conversation and want to talk again.

Essay writing

Use '联系实际' to strengthen your arguments in Chinese proficiency tests like the HSK.

WeChat usage

When you add someone on WeChat, a common first message is '很高兴能和你取得联系'.

Business cards

Look for '联系方式' on business cards to find the phone number and email.

Logical links

Use '联系' to explain cause and effect or how two different topics are related.

Tone check

Make sure you hear the fourth tone on 'xì' to distinguish it from other 'xi' sounds.

Stroke order

The character '联' has many horizontal strokes; practice them to make your writing look balanced.

Social harmony

Maintaining '联系' is considered a virtue in Chinese culture, showing you value your social network.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'lián' as a 'link' and 'xì' as a 'system.' You are linking into a system to contact someone.

Visual Association

Imagine two people holding the ends of a long red thread (系) that joins (联) them together across a distance.

Word Web

Phone Email WeChat Bridge Link Relationship Context Network

Challenge

Try to use '联系' in three different ways today: once to ask for a phone number, once to say 'keep in touch,' and once to describe a link between two ideas.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two characters: 联 (lián) and 系 (xì). 联 originally meant 'to join' or 'to unite,' often used in the context of ears (耳) listening together or joining. 系 originally depicted a hand holding silk threads, meaning 'to tie' or 'a system.'

Original meaning: To tie together or join into a system.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

None. It is a very neutral and safe word to use in all contexts.

In English, we often use 'contact' as a direct verb. In Chinese, using '跟我联系' (with me contact) sounds more natural and polite.

The concept of 'Universal Connection' in Chinese textbooks. Common phrase in Chinese pop songs about losing touch. Standard 'Contact Us' button on every Chinese website.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Asking for contact info

你的联系方式是什么？
请留下你的电话。
怎么联系你？
加个微信吧。

Ending a conversation

以后多联系。
保持联系。
有空再联系。
再联系！

Business coordination

联系供应商。
取得业务联系。
联系人是谁？
尽快联系。

Academic study

联系上下文。
联系实际。
逻辑联系。
内在联系。

Losing touch

失去联系。
断了联系。
没联系了。
很久没联系。

Conversation Starters

"我们以后怎么联系比较方便？ (How is it most convenient for us to contact each other later?)"

"你还跟小学同学保持联系吗？ (Do you still keep in touch with your elementary school classmates?)"

"这两件事之间你觉得有什么联系？ (What connection do you think there is between these two things?)"

"请问这个项目的联系人是谁？ (Excuse me, who is the contact person for this project?)"

"你最近有没有跟张先生联系过？ (Have you contacted Mr. Zhang recently?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最想联系的一位老朋友。 (Write about an old friend you most want to contact.)

讨论一下互联网如何改变了人与人之间的联系。 (Discuss how the internet has changed the connections between people.)

描述一次你失去联系后又重新找到朋友的经历。 (Describe an experience where you lost touch and then found a friend again.)

你认为理论和实践应该如何联系起来？ (How do you think theory and practice should be linked?)

写一写你每天常用的联系方式。 (Write about the contact methods you use every day.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '联系我' is common and understood, especially in informal speech or on websites. However, '跟我联系' is more grammatically standard in many contexts.

Think of '关系' as the 'relationship' (e.g., 'They are brothers') and '联系' as the 'contact' (e.g., 'They call each other'). You use '联系' to maintain a '关系'.

No, for internet or physical connections, use '连接' (liánjiē). '联系' is for people or abstract ideas.

The most common way is '保持联系' (bǎochí liánxì) or simply '常联系' (cháng liánxì).

It is a common instruction in reading comprehension meaning 'to look at the surrounding text' to understand a specific word or sentence.

Yes, it often means 'connection' or 'link,' as in '两者之间的联系' (the connection between the two).

It can be a contact in your phone, but it also refers to a 'liaison' or 'point of contact' for a project or company.

It literally means 'contact method' and is the standard way to ask for someone's phone number, email, or WeChat collectively.

It is neutral. It can be used with friends, in business, or in academic writing.

Yes, this is a very common use in B1 and higher levels, such as '联系理论与实际' (connecting theory and practice).