沿
yánTo follow a path or route, typically in a linear direction.
沿着这条路走，你会到达火车站。
Follow this road, and you will reach the train station.
Commonly used with the preposition '着' (zhe) to indicate direction.
To adhere to or follow a rule, principle, or guideline.
我们必须沿着公司的规定办事。
We must follow the company's regulations.
Often used in formal or official contexts.
To trace or outline the edge or boundary of something.
沿着这条线画一条直线。
Draw a straight line along this line.
Used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Directional Usage
When '沿' is used with '着', it indicates direction, similar to 'along' in English.
⚡Gold Rule
Prepositional Use
'沿' can function as a preposition meaning 'along' or 'according to'.
📖Word Origin
Derived from the character '沿', which depicts the idea of following a path or edge.
📝Usage Notes
The character '沿' is often used in combination with other words to form compounds, such as '沿海' (coastal) and '沿途' (along the way). It can function as a preposition or a verb depending on the context.