纽带 niǔdài tie
tie; link; bond
How to remember 纽带: 纽 knot + 带 belt = tie.
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How it is used
- A figurative 'bond/link' tying two things together - 友谊的纽带 (yǒuyì de niǔdài) the bond of friendship.
- Almost always metaphorical (relationships, culture, trade), unlike literal 绳子 (shéngzi, rope); it's what connects groups or people.
- Warm, slightly elevated register; common in speeches about ties between nations or communities.