Meaning and Usage
The word 接力 (jiēlì) primarily refers to a relay race, where participants pass a baton to each other in sequence. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of passing something along in succession, such as information or tasks, emphasizing cooperation and continuity.
Common Collocations
- 接力赛 (jiēlì sài): relay race, the most common sports context.
- 接力棒 (jiēlì bàng): relay baton, the object passed between runners.
- 接力传递 (jiēlì chuándì): relay transmission, often used for passing information or messages.
Usage Notes
When used in sports, 接力 always involves teamwork and the physical passing of a baton. In non-sport contexts, it highlights the idea of continuous effort or cooperation, such as in work or communication. It is a formal term and often appears in written or formal spoken Chinese.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse 接力 with 单打 (dāndǎ, singles) or 个人赛 (gèrén sài, individual competition), as 接力 always implies a team effort. Also, 接力 is different from 继承 (jìchéng, to inherit), which refers to succession but not in a relay or cooperative sense.