xiansuo: 线索 - Clue, Lead, Thread

• Keywords: xiansuo, 线索, clue in Chinese, lead in Chinese, how to say clue in Mandarin, evidence in Chinese, thread of a story, detective clue, police investigation Chinese, solve a mystery
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 线索 (xiànsuǒ), the essential Chinese word for “clue,” “lead,” or “thread.” This term is fundamental for understanding Chinese detective stories, police reports, and any situation involving mystery or problem-solving. Learn how the characters for “thread” (线) and “to search” (索) combine to create a vivid image of following a lead to unravel a complex puzzle. This guide provides practical examples, cultural context, and key distinctions from similar words like “evidence” (证据) and “hint” (提示).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xiànsuǒ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A piece of information, object, or trail that helps in the investigation or solution of a crime, mystery, or complex problem.
• In a Nutshell: 线索 (xiànsuǒ) is the “thread” you follow to find an answer. Imagine a detective at a crime scene who finds a footprint—that footprint is a 线索. It doesn't solve the case on its own, but it's a starting point that leads the investigation forward. The word applies not only to crime but to any puzzle, from a scientific problem to figuring out the plot of a confusing movie.

• 线 (xiàn): This character means “line,” “thread,” or “wire.” Think of a literal string or thread that you can physically follow.
• 索 (suǒ): This character can mean “a large rope” or “to search/to demand.” Here, it carries the meaning of searching and pulling on something.

When combined, 线索 (xiànsuǒ) literally translates to “thread for searching.” This creates a powerful and intuitive metaphor: solving a mystery is like being in a dark labyrinth, and a 线索 is the single thread you hold onto that guides you toward the exit or the solution.

• In Chinese culture, 线索 is heavily associated with justice, logic, and the process of discovery. It's a cornerstone of the incredibly popular genre of detective and police procedural dramas (刑侦剧, xíngzhēnjù) that dominate Chinese television and literature. The “hero” is often the one who is brilliant at finding and interpreting a subtle 线索 that everyone else missed.

• Comparison to “Clue”: While 线索 is a near-perfect translation of the English words “clue” or “lead,” its etymology is more visceral and visual. The English “clue” originates from “clew,” a ball of thread, referencing the Greek myth of Theseus using a ball of thread to escape the Minotaur's labyrinth. Interestingly, both words share the exact same root metaphor! However, for a modern Chinese speaker, the characters 线 (thread) and 索 (search/rope) make this “thread-following” metaphor much more immediate and obvious than it is for a modern English speaker using the word “clue.” This built-in imagery makes 线索 a particularly satisfying and descriptive word.

• Criminal Investigations: This is the most common context. You will hear it constantly in news reports about crimes or on police-themed TV shows.
  • Example: 警方呼吁市民提供线索。 (Jǐngfāng hūyù shìmín tígōng xiànsuǒ.) - “The police are appealing to the public to provide leads.”

• Problem-Solving (General): It's used more broadly for any difficult problem in business, research, or even personal life where you need a breakthrough.
• Example: “We need a new 线索 to solve this software bug.”

• Storytelling and Plot: In literature or film analysis, a 线索 is a plot device or a piece of foreshadowing that helps the audience piece together the story. It's the thread of the narrative.
• Example: “The director left several 线索 in the first act.”

• Example 1:
  • 警方在犯罪现场发现了一条重要的线索。
  • Pinyin: Jǐngfāng zài fànzuì xiànchǎng fāxiàn le yī tiáo zhòngyào de xiànsuǒ.
  • English: The police discovered an important clue at the crime scene.
  • Analysis: This is the classic usage of 线索. Note the measure word 条 (tiáo), which is often used for long, thin objects and abstract concepts like news, ideas, and clues.
• Example 2:
  • 记者正在追查这条线索，希望能挖出真相。
  • Pinyin: Jìzhě zhèngzài zhuīchá zhè tiáo xiànsuǒ, xīwàng néng wā chū zhēnxiàng.
  • English: The reporter is following up on this lead, hoping to dig up the truth.
  • Analysis: Here, 线索 is a “lead” in an investigative journalism context. The verb 追查 (zhuīchá - to trace, to investigate) pairs perfectly with it.
• Example 3:
  • 这个案子太复杂了，我们现在一点儿线索都没有。
  • Pinyin: Zhège ànzi tài fùzá le, wǒmen xiànzài yīdiǎnr xiànsuǒ dōu méiyǒu.
  • English: This case is too complex; we don't have a single clue right now.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows the negative form, expressing a complete lack of leads and a feeling of being stuck.
• Example 4:
  • 他的日记为我们理解他的行为提供了线索。
  • Pinyin: Tā de rìjì wèi wǒmen lǐjiě tā de xíngwéi tígōng le xiànsuǒ.
  • English: His diary provided us with clues to understand his behavior.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a more psychological or abstract use of 线索. It's not a crime, but a personal mystery.
• Example 5:
  • 所有的线索都指向了同一个人。
  • Pinyin: Suǒyǒu de xiànsuǒ dōu zhǐxiàng le tóng yī gè rén.
  • English: All the clues point to the same person.
  • Analysis: The verb 指向 (zhǐxiàng - to point to) is commonly used with 线索 to show where the investigation is heading.
• Example 6:
  • 这可能是一条假线索，是为了误导我们。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kěnéng shì yī tiáo jiǎ xiànsuǒ, shì wèile wùdǎo wǒmen.
  • English: This might be a false lead, meant to mislead us.
  • Analysis: This introduces the concept of a “red herring” or a misleading clue, a common trope in mystery stories.
• Example 7:
  • 对于这个科学难题，我们唯一的线索就是那次异常的实验数据。
  • Pinyin: Duìyú zhège kēxué nántí, wǒmen wéiyī de xiànsuǒ jiùshì nà cì yìcháng de shíyàn shùjù.
  • English: For this difficult scientific problem, our only clue is the data from that abnormal experiment.
  • Analysis: This shows 线索 used in a scientific or academic research context, highlighting its role in any form of discovery.
• Example 8:
  • 故事的线索很清晰，读者很容易跟上。
  • Pinyin: Gùshì de xiànsuǒ hěn qīngxī, dúzhě hěn róngyì gēn shàng.
  • English: The thread of the story is very clear, so it's easy for readers to follow.
  • Analysis: Here, 线索 refers to the main plotline or narrative thread. This usage is more metaphorical.
• Example 9:
  • 任何有线索的人请立即拨打这个电话。
  • Pinyin: Rènhé yǒu xiànsuǒ de rén qǐng lìjí bōdǎ zhège diànhuà.
  • English: Anyone who has a clue/lead, please call this number immediately.
  • Analysis: This is a common phrase used in public announcements or on posters asking for information from witnesses.
• Example 10:
  • 我们必须整理所有线索，才能找到事情的头绪。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū zhěnglǐ suǒyǒu xiànsuǒ, cáinéng zhǎodào shìqíng de tóuxù.
  • English: We must sort through all the clues before we can make sense of the situation.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses both 线索 and a related term, 头绪 (tóuxù - train of thought, coherence). It shows how you organize external clues (线索) to form an internal understanding (头绪).

• `线索 (xiànsuǒ)` vs. `提示 (tíshì)` - Clue vs. Hint: This is a crucial distinction.
  • 线索 (xiànsuǒ) is an objective piece of information you discover on your own. It exists whether you find it or not. A detective finds a 线索.
  • 提示 (tíshì) is a hint that someone gives you intentionally to help. A teacher gives a student a 提示 on a test.
  • Incorrect Usage: ~~老师给了我一个线索。~~ (Lǎoshī gěile wǒ yíge xiànsuǒ.)
  • Correct Usage: 老师给了我一个提示。 (Lǎoshī gěile wǒ yíge tíshì.) - “The teacher gave me a hint.”

• `线索 (xiànsuǒ)` vs. `证据 (zhèngjù)` - Lead vs. Evidence:
• A 线索 (xiànsuǒ) is a lead. It's speculative and points you in a direction, but it doesn't prove anything by itself. Multiple 线索 might lead to the real evidence.
• 证据 (zhèngjù) is hard evidence or proof. It is fact-based and can be used to formally prove a case, for example, in a court of law.
• Example: A witness saying they saw a “red car” is a 线索. The security camera footage showing the suspect's red car, license plate and all, is 证据. The clue leads you to the proof.

• 证据 (zhèngjù) - Evidence; proof. This is what a 线索 hopefully leads to.
• 提示 (tíshì) - A hint; a prompt. A clue that is given, not discovered.
• 侦探 (zhēntàn) - Detective. The person whose job is to find and analyze 线索.
• 调查 (diàochá) - To investigate; investigation. The process of searching for 线索.
• 谜团 (mítuán) - A mystery; a puzzle. The thing that needs to be solved by using 线索.
• 破案 (pò'àn) - To solve a criminal case. The ultimate goal of following 线索 in a police investigation.
• 头绪 (tóuxù) - Train of thought; main thread (of a task). Similar to 线索 but more often used for organizing one's own thoughts or a complex but non-mysterious task. If you are completely confused about how to start a project, you can say “我没有头绪” (wǒ méiyǒu tóuxù).