Usage of 连 (lián)
The character 连 is versatile and commonly used in Mandarin. It primarily functions as a verb meaning "to connect" or "to link," often describing physical or abstract connections, such as roads or ideas.
Another very frequent use is as an adverb meaning "even" or "including," emphasizing something unexpected or extreme. For example, 连最简单的问题都答不上来 means "He can't even answer the simplest questions," highlighting inability.
Additionally, 连 can appear in the compound 连忙 (liánmáng), meaning "hurriedly" or "at once," showing quick action.
Common Collocations
- 连着 (liánzhe): to connect or be continuous
- 连忙 (liánmáng): hurriedly, promptly
- 连...都/也 (lián... dōu/yě): even... (used for emphasis)
Notes
When used as an adverb for emphasis, 连 is often followed by a phrase and then 都 or 也 to stress inclusiveness or surprise. Avoid confusing this with 甚至 (shènzhì), which is similar but often stronger in tone.
In conversation, 连 helps express surprise or emphasis naturally and is very common in both spoken and written Chinese.