Meaning
锁链 refers to a physical chain made of connected metal links, often used for binding, securing, or restraining. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that restricts freedom or constrains someone, such as oppressive systems or mental limitations.
Usage
This word appears in both literal contexts (physical chains, locks, restraints) and figurative contexts (bondage, oppression, psychological constraints). It carries a heavier, more serious tone than casual words for 'chain' and often appears in literary or formal writing when discussing freedom, slavery, or metaphorical imprisonment.
Examples
- 01囚犯的手脚被沉重的锁链束缚着。.The prisoner's hands and feet were bound by heavy chains.
- 02我们必须打破传统观念的锁链，勇于创新。, .We must break the chains of traditional thinking and dare to innovate.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条锁链
- 根一根锁链
Common collocations
- 打破锁链to break the chains
- 挣脱锁链to break free from chains
- 精神锁链mental chains/shackles
- 冲破锁链to break through the chains
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 锁 (lock) and 链 (chain), literally meaning 'lock-chain' or a chain that locks/restrains. Both characters contain the metal radical 钅, indicating their connection to metal objects.