系列
xìliè · HSK 4
set
🔗 系 = tie/connect + 列 = line/row → a connected line, i.e. a series
系 means to tie or link; 列 means a row or sequence. Together they describe things tied together in a row — a succession, set, or spectrum. Same 系 as in 关系 (relationship); same 列 as in 列车 (train of cars).
系 — silk radical 糸 with a stroke on top
Originally a pictograph of a hand holding silk threads, showing connection or lineage. The character depicts threads being tied together, which gave rise to meanings like 'system,' 'lineage,' and 'to connect.' It later became used for organized sequences or relationships.
列 — 歹 (bone fragments) + 刂 (knife)
Originally depicted cutting bones apart with a knife, showing the act of separating things into pieces. The meaning extended from 'to divide' to 'arrange in a row' or 'sequence,' since dividing items naturally produces an ordered series. Today it primarily means 'row,' 'line,' or 'to list.'