sin3綫

Jyutpingsin3

Yalesin

Common

Definition

Thread, wire, or line; also can refer to a boundary, route, or an undercover agent.

thread; wire; string; cord
line; boundary; limit
route; path; connection
slangan undercover agent; spy; mole

neutralothertechnology

How it's used

Refers to both physical threads and electrical wires, but also carries metaphorical weight in Hong Kong. It frequently describes a specific route or line, such as a bus route or a political stance. When used in a criminal or police context, it refers to an informant or undercover contact.

Measure word

tiu4條tìuh

Examples

nei5你bong1幫ngo5我lo2攞tiu4條sin3綫gwo3過lai2嚟hou2好m4唔hou2好？

Could you please bring that thread over to me?

ni1呢tiu4條sin3綫tyun5斷zo2咗，jiu3要wan2搵gwo3過tiu4條san1新ge3嘅。

This wire is broken, I need to find a new one.

Common phrases

tyun5斷sin3綫

broken wire or disconnected

soeng6上sin3綫

to go online or to contact an informant

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the Mandarin character 线, as the traditional form 綫 is standard in Hong Kong. Learners often misapply it to abstract concepts where 路線 or 邊界 would be more precise.