noun HSK 4
Traditional 項鍊
necklace
Meaning
项链 refers to a piece of jewelry worn around the neck, typically made of precious metals, beads, pearls, or other decorative materials. The word literally combines 'neck/item' (项) with 'chain' (链), directly describing a chain worn on the neck.
Usage
This is the standard, neutral term for necklaces in modern Mandarin. It's used in both casual and formal contexts, from everyday conversation to jewelry stores and fashion magazines. Native speakers commonly use it when discussing accessories, gifts, or personal adornment.
Examples
- 01她戴着一条漂亮的珍珠项链。.She's wearing a beautiful pearl necklace.
- 02我想给妈妈买条金项链作为生日礼物。.I want to buy my mom a gold necklace as a birthday gift.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条项链
- 串一串项链
Common collocations
- 戴项链to wear a necklace
- 金项链gold necklace
- 珍珠项链pearl necklace
- 送项链to give a necklace as a gift
Origin
The word is a straightforward compound where 链 (chain) describes the form and 项 (neck) describes the location of wear. This construction follows common Chinese patterns for naming wearable items by their location and form.