chain
chain — 動詞
1. to attach a person, animal, or object to a fixed point using a chain, so that fr
鎖住；拴住
用鍊子把人或物固定在定點
to attach a person, animal, or object to a fixed point using a chain, so that free movement is prevented or limited.
The dog was chained to a post in the corner of the yard.
那隻狗被鎖在院子角落的一根柱子上。
passive: be chained to + place
Protesters chained themselves to the entrance of the government building.
抗議者將自己鎖在政府大樓入口處。
Xiu chained her bicycle to the metal railing outside the station.
Xiu 把腳踏車鎖在車站外的金屬欄杆上。
The prisoner had been chained by both ankles to the cell wall.
那名囚犯的雙腳踝曾被鎖在牢房的牆壁上。
After the storm, Sana chained the garden gate shut to keep it secure.
暴風雨過後，Sana 用鍊子把花園門拴緊，以防被吹開。
文法句型
chain + object + to/onto + place
chain + oneself + to + place
chain + object + shut
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice. The preposition 'to' introduces the fixed attachment point ('chained to a wall'). Also common with reflexive pronouns ('chained herself to the gate') and with body parts introduced by 'by' ('chained by the ankle').
常見錯誤
2. to link physical objects end to end, making a single connected line, row, or lin
連接；串聯
將物品一個接一個連起來
to link physical objects end to end, making a single connected line, row, or linked group.
The security guard chained the gates together after closing time.
警衛在關門後用鍊子把兩扇大門串在一起。
chain + object + together
All the new office chairs were chained together in one long row.
所有新的辦公椅都用鍊子串成一長排。
The team chained the sledges one behind the other before the trek.
團隊在出發前把雪橇一輛接一輛地串聯起來。
Imran chained the empty carts together and pulled them to the storage shed.
Imran 把空的推車串在一起，拉到了儲藏室。
文法句型
chain + object + together
be chained + together
chain + object in a + row/line
用法筆記
Typically used with the adverb 'together' to make the linking of separate objects explicit. Often appears in the passive. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 joins objects to each other in a line, rather than attaching one thing to a fixed point.
常見錯誤
3. to connect events, actions, or processes so that they follow one after another o
連鎖
事件或步驟接連發生、環環相扣
to connect events, actions, or processes so that they follow one after another or depend on each other as parts of a linked series.
The series of discoveries was chained together by a single research team.
這一連串的發現是由同一個研究團隊串聯起來的。
passive: events + be chained + together
Several unfortunate events chained together to ruin the family's business.
好幾個不幸的事件接連發生，導致這家人的生意毀於一旦。
Each step in the process is chained to the next, so nothing can be skipped.
流程中的每個步驟都環環相扣，因此任何一步都不能跳過。
The teacher showed how a single decision can chain a whole series of results.
老師向學生說明，一個決定如何能引發一連串的結果。
- link
more common in abstract contexts and does not imply a strict sequence, only a connection
- connect
very general; lacks the sequential 'one-after-another' flavour
- concatenate
formal and technical; used in computing and mathematics, rare in everyday language
- disconnect
to break the link between events or steps
文法句型
events/steps + be chained + together
chain + abstract noun + to + consequence
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'together' or 'to', and commonly in the passive voice. The subject is usually an abstract noun — events, steps, or processes — not physical objects. Distinguish from sense 2, which describes the physical linking of tangible objects.
常見錯誤
chain — 名詞
1. a number of connected shops, restaurants, or similar businesses that are owned b
連鎖；系列
一連串相連的人或事物
a number of connected shops, restaurants, or similar businesses that are owned by the same company, or a line of connected people or things arranged one after another.
The supermarket chain has more than thirty stores across Taiwan.
這家超市連鎖店在臺灣有三十多家門市。
chain of [businesses] = group under one owner
A chain of tiny islands runs along the coast of southern Chile.
一連串小島沿著智利南部海岸分布。
The company's chain of command goes from the CEO down to each store manager.
這家公司的指揮鏈從執行長延伸到每位門市經理。
Volunteers formed a human chain to pass water buckets from the river to the fire.
志工們排成一列人鏈，把水桶從河邊傳到火場。
Dewi admired the graceful chain of dancers moving across the stage one by one.
Dewi 欣賞著舞者們一個接一個優雅地走過舞臺的連鎖隊形。
用法筆記
Often used with 'of' to name the linked items: a chain of shops, a chain of islands, a chain of people. For businesses, the type of business usually comes before 'chain' — e.g. hotel chain, supermarket chain, fast-food chain.
常見錯誤
2. a long connected line of mountains that forms a continuous high area of land.
山脈；山系
一連串相連的山峰
a long connected line of mountains that forms a continuous high area of land.
The Himalayan mountain chain stretches across five different countries.
喜馬拉雅山脈橫跨五個不同的國家。
mountain chain = connected line of mountains
Kwame hiked through a chain of low hills that led up to the main peak.
Kwame 徒步穿過一連串低矮的山丘，通往主峰。
A chain of volcanic peaks stands along the eastern edge of the island.
一連串火山峰矗立在島嶼的東緣。
The national park protects a beautiful chain of limestone cliffs and hidden caves.
國家公園保護著一條美麗的石灰岩峭壁和隱藏洞穴的山脈。
- mountain range
broader — includes the entire area of peaks, valleys, and ridges rather than just the connected line of peaks
- ridge
more specific — refers only to the top line of a mountain or hill, not the whole chain
用法筆記
Commonly used either as 'mountain chain' or 'chain of mountains'. 'Range' is a more general term that includes the valleys between peaks.
3. a connected series of events in which each happening causes or leads directly to
連鎖；一連串
因果相連的一系列事件
a connected series of events in which each happening causes or leads directly to the next one.
The power failure set off a chain of events that shut down the whole factory.
停電引發了一連串事件，導致整座工廠關閉。
chain of events = sequence where each causes the next
A chain reaction in the chemistry lab forced the students to evacuate the building.
化學實驗室的連鎖反應迫使學生撤離大樓。
chain reaction = each event triggers the next immediately
One small misunderstanding started a long chain of arguments between the two families.
一個小小的誤會引發了兩家人之間長達數月的連鎖爭吵。
Bones found in the field triggered a chain of archaeological digs across the valley.
田地裡發現骨頭，觸發了山谷中一連串的考古挖掘。
A chain of good luck took Noor from a small village to a university abroad.
一連串的好運把 Noor 從一個小村莊帶到了國外的大學。
用法筆記
Most common in fixed phrases 'chain of events' and 'chain reaction'. The word 'chain' here emphasises that each step is caused by the previous one — not just a random sequence.
常見錯誤
4. a number of stores, eating places, or lodging businesses that carry the same bra
連鎖集團
同一公司擁有的多家同類商店或餐廳
a number of stores, eating places, or lodging businesses that carry the same brand name and are operated by a single parent company.
The hotel chain plans to open twenty new locations across Southeast Asia.
這家飯店連鎖集團計劃在東南亞開設二十家新據點。
hotel chain / restaurant chain = group of same-brand outlets
Yan prefers eating at small local cafés rather than big international restaurant chains.
Yan 比較喜歡在小型的本地咖啡館消費，而不是大型國際連鎖餐廳。
The supermarket chain lowered its prices after a new competitor opened nearby.
這家超市連鎖店在新競爭對手在附近開業後調降了價格。
Many coffee chains in Taiwan now offer drinks made with local ingredients.
臺灣許多咖啡連鎖店現在都推出使用在地食材製作的飲品。
Manuela quit her job at the fast-food chain to start her own small bakery.
Manuela 辭去了速食連鎖店的工作，創辦了自己的小麵包店。
用法筆記
Used with a noun describing the type of business before 'chain': hotel chain, restaurant chain, supermarket chain, pharmacy chain. 'Chain' in this sense always implies multiple locations under a single brand and ownership.
常見錯誤
5. lengths of interlocking metal circles linked end to end, employed for locking ga
鏈條；鎖鏈
金屬環相連而成的繩索狀物
lengths of interlocking metal circles linked end to end, employed for locking gates, towing vehicles, or worn as ornaments on the body.
The guard wrapped a heavy chain around the gate and locked it with a padlock.
警衛用一條粗重的鎖鏈繞住大門，再用掛鎖鎖上。
used for fastening / locking
Élise wore a thin gold chain around her neck that her grandmother had given her.
Élise 脖子上戴著一條祖母送她的細金鏈。
worn as jewellery = necklace
The bicycle chain snapped while Tuan was cycling up a steep hill.
Tuan 騎自行車上陡坡時，鏈條斷了。
Workers used a steel chain to pull the broken truck out of the ditch.
工人用一條鋼鏈把故障的卡車從溝裡拉出來。
Aoi tied her dog to a chain in the yard so it could move freely.
Aoi 把狗拴在院子裡的鏈條上，讓牠可以自由活動。
用法筆記
Countable when referring to a specific length or piece (a chain, two chains). Uncountable when referring to the material or substance (made of chain, a length of chain).
常見錯誤
❌ 'She wore a gold chain around her neck' is correct but ❌ 'She wore gold chain around her neck' (missing article) — when referring to a specific piece of jewellery, the countable form with an article is needed.
6. metal chains that are fitted over the tyres of a car or truck to give the vehicl
雪鏈
車輛輪胎上的金屬防滑鏈
metal chains that are fitted over the tyres of a car or truck to give the vehicle better grip when driving on snow-covered or icy roads.
Before driving up the mountain, Layla fitted snow chains onto the car's tyres.
在上山之前，Layla 把雪鏈裝在車子的輪胎上。
snow chains / tyre chains = grip for snow
The police stopped all cars without chains at the bottom of the snowy road.
警察在雪路的起點攔下所有沒有裝雪鏈的車輛。
Jason kept a set of chains in his car boot for winter mountain trips.
Jason 在車後車廂放了一組雪鏈，以備冬季上山之用。
Without chains on the tyres, the van could not climb the icy mountain pass.
輪胎上沒有裝雪鏈的話，這輛廂型車爬不上結冰的山路。
用法筆記
Always used in the plural form. Also called 'tyre chains' (British) or 'tire chains' (American). Often shortened to just 'chains' when the context of snow driving is clear.
常見錯誤
7. the linked metal rods and markers used on an American football field to check wh
碼鏈
美式足球測量用金屬鏈
the linked metal rods and markers used on an American football field to check whether a team has moved the ball far enough to keep possession for another set of plays
The referee signalled for the chains to be brought onto the field.
裁判示意把碼鏈拿到場上。
collocation: bring / signal for the chains
Tariro watched the chain crew run across the grass with the two orange poles.
Tariro 看著碼鏈小組扛著兩根橘色竿子跑過草地。
collocation: chain crew
Without a measuring chain on the sideline, the officials could not check the exact spot.
沒有邊線上的碼鏈，裁判就無法確認球的精確位置。
The home crowd booed loudly when the chains showed the quarterback had come up short.
主場球迷大聲喝倒采，因為碼鏈顯示四分衛的推進距離還差一點。
- first-down marker
the specific upright rod that marks the spot; narrower scope
- down marker
used for the indicator stick rather than the chain itself
文法句型
the chains
chain crew
用法筆記
Almost always plural (the chains). This sense refers to the physical equipment itself, not the measurement unit. The chain crew is the group of officials who handle the poles on the sideline.
常見錯誤
8. the condition of being fastened or held with metal rings and links, especially t
鐐銬
被金屬鏈條拴住的狀態
the condition of being fastened or held with metal rings and links, especially to prevent escape or free movement
The captured soldiers were led through the town square in chains.
被俘的士兵被鐐銬鎖著帶過城鎮廣場。
pattern: in chains
Minh discovered an old gate held shut by heavy chains and a rusty padlock.
Minh 發現一扇舊門被粗重的鐵鍊和生鏽的掛鎖拴住。
Photographs of protesters in chains appeared on the front page of every newspaper.
抗議者戴著鐐銬的照片登上了各家報紙的頭版。
The dog was kept in chains behind the shed, barking at anyone who came near.
那隻狗被鐵鍊拴在棚子後面，對靠近的人狂吠。
文法句型
in chains
put/keep in chains
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the plural phrase 'in chains' or 'put/keep someone in chains.' The singular 'in a chain' is not used for this sense — a single chain wrapped around something would be described differently (e.g. 'tied with a chain'). Distinguish from sense 9, which is figurative (restrictions on freedom).
常見錯誤
9. a rule, situation, or outside force that restricts a person's freedom or limits
束縛；枷鎖
限制自由的事物或規則
a rule, situation, or outside force that restricts a person's freedom or limits what they are able to do
Gabriela finally broke free from the chains of her family's rigid expectations.
Gabriela 終於掙脫了家人嚴格期待的枷鎖，搬到國外生活。
pattern: the chains of [noun]
The new regulations placed tight chains on small businesses already struggling to survive.
新法規為已經難以維生的小企業套上了沉重的束縛。
For years Luca felt trapped by the chains of poverty and limited education.
多年來 Luca 一直覺得自己被貧窮和有限的教育所困住。
The nation celebrated when it finally threw off the chains of colonial rule.
該國人民擺脫殖民統治的枷鎖時，全國上下都歡慶不已。
Many artists struggle against the chains of government censorship in their work.
許多藝術家在創作中努力對抗政府的審查束縛。
- restrictions
more neutral; lacks the strong emotional tone of 'chains'
- shackles
similar metaphor; slightly more dramatic
- constraints
formal; applies to practical limits, not just freedom
- bonds
poetic or literary; can be emotional or social
文法句型
the chains of [something]
用法筆記
Almost always plural ('the chains of tradition,' 'the chains of poverty'). This is the figurative/abstract sense — distinguish from sense 8, which refers to actual physical chains. Frequently appears with verbs like 'break,' 'throw off,' 'escape,' 'shake off.'
常見錯誤
10. a linked series of home purchases in which each buyer must first sell their own
連環購屋
房產交易中需先售後買的連鎖關係
a linked series of home purchases in which each buyer must first sell their own home before they can complete the purchase of the next property
The sale of Amelia's flat collapsed when the chain broke and two buyers pulled out.
Amelia 的公寓交易告吹了，因為購屋鏈斷裂，有兩位買家退出了。
collocation: chain breaks / collapses
Estate agents warned them that a long property chain could delay completion by months.
房仲提醒他們，太長的購屋鏈可能會讓交屋延遲好幾個月。
collocation: long / short chain; property chain
Cyrus could not move into his new home because the chain of sellers was incomplete.
Cyrus 無法搬進新家，因為賣方鏈還沒完全確定。
The lawyer told them to wait until the whole house chain was secure before packing.
律師叫他們等到整個購屋鏈確定無誤後再打包。
- property chain
the full term; more formal
- housing chain
common alternative in British English
文法句型
property chain
chain of buyers/sellers
用法筆記
Primarily British English. In property transactions, 'a chain' refers to the linked sequence of buyers and sellers. A 'broken chain' or 'collapsed chain' means at least one sale fell through, causing the whole sequence to fail. Also called a 'property chain' or 'housing chain.'
常見錯誤
11. a traditional land-measuring standard of 66 feet (about 20 metres), once commonl
測鏈
66英尺的測量單位
a traditional land-measuring standard of 66 feet (about 20 metres), once commonly used by surveyors to mark property boundaries
The field measured exactly ten chains in length, according to the old survey map.
根據舊的測量地圖，那塊田地的長度正好是十個測鏈。
pattern: [number] chains in length
Mauricio learned that one chain equals twenty-two yards, a standard unit for surveyors.
Mauricio 學到一測鏈等於 22 碼，是土地測量員的標準單位。
The property boundary was originally marked out in chains and links back in 1870.
這塊地的界線最初是在 1870 年用測鏈和令（link）標記出來的。
Modern surveyors rarely use a physical chain, but the unit survives on old land titles.
現代的測量員很少使用實體測鏈，但這個單位仍保留在舊的土地權狀上。
- Gunter's chain
formal name for the 66-foot measuring chain invented by Edmund Gunter in the 17th century
文法句型
[number] chain(s)
用法筆記
A historical unit that survives on older property deeds and in some legal land descriptions. One chain = 66 feet = 22 yards = 100 links. Modern surveyors use laser distance meters, but the term still appears in boundary records in the US, UK, and Australia.