líxiàn: 离线 - Offline

Keywords: lixian, 离线, offline, offline mode, what does lixian mean, lixian in Chinese, disconnect, Chinese for offline, 离线下载, 离线地图, 离线模式, online and offline in Chinese

Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 离线 (líxiàn), the direct equivalent of “offline.” This page breaks down its meaning, from describing your phone's connection status to practical uses like 离线地图 (líxiàn dìtú) (offline maps) and 离线支付 (líxiàn zhīfù) (offline payment). Understand how this simple word is a cornerstone of navigating modern, tech-driven life in China, and learn the crucial difference between 离线 (líxiàn) and its close relative, 下线 (xiàxiàn).

Pinyin (with tone marks): líxiàn

Part of Speech: Adjective, Adverb

HSK Level: N/A (but a high-frequency, essential modern vocabulary word)

Concise Definition: Disconnected from a network; not connected to the internet; offline.

In a Nutshell: 离线 (líxiàn) is the standard, neutral term for being “offline.” It's a direct and literal translation of the English concept, referring to the technical state of a device or service not being connected to the internet or a local network. Think of it as the opposite of 在线 (zàixiàn), which means “online.”

离 (lí): This character means “to leave,” “to separate from,” or “to be away from.” Imagine a person walking away from a place.

线 (xiàn): This character means “line,” “thread,” or “wire.” Think of a physical internet cable or the metaphorical “line” of connection.

When combined, 离线 (líxiàn) literally means “to leave the line” or “to be separated from the line.” This creates a very intuitive and easy-to-remember word for the concept of being disconnected or “offline.”

A Technical Term in a Hyper-Connected Society: Unlike some nuanced cultural terms, 离线 (líxiàn) is primarily a functional, technical word borrowed from the global language of technology. Its cultural significance comes from the environment in which it's used. In modern China, where mobile payment, instant messaging (WeChat), and on-demand services are deeply integrated into daily life, being 离线 is often a significant state. It can mean you're unable to pay for a meal, call a taxi, or communicate with friends.

Contrast with “Unplugging” or “Digital Detox”: In the West, the concept of “going offline” often carries a positive, mindful connotation of a “digital detox.” While you can use 离线 to describe this action (e.g., “我需要离线休息一下” - I need to go offline and rest), the word itself doesn't carry this philosophical weight. It's fundamentally a statement of technical status. The cultural conversation around digital wellness is growing in China, but 离线 remains the neutral, descriptive term at its core. Being 离线 is more often seen as an inconvenience to be solved rather than a state to be desired.

Not Used for People in a Non-Tech Context: You would not use 离线 to describe a person who is “out of touch” with reality or “not with it.” It is almost exclusively used for technological disconnection. For “out of touch with society,” you would use a word like `与社会脱节 (yǔ shèhuì tuōjié)`.

在线 (zàixiàn): Online. The direct antonym of `离线`.

下线 (xiàxiàn): To log off, to go offline. Describes the *action* of a user disconnecting, not the *state* of the device.

上线 (shàngxiàn): To log on, to go online. The antonym of `下线`. Also means to launch a new product or feature.

断网 (duànwǎng): For the internet to be cut off. It has a stronger, more passive feeling than `离线`. It implies the entire network connection is broken, often for a whole building or area.

网络 (wǎngluò): Network; the Internet. The “net” that you are on or off.

飞行模式 (fēixíng móshì): Airplane mode. The most common specific type of `离线模式`.

服务器 (fúwùqì): Server. A computer that is often described as being `在线` or `离线`.

信号 (xìnhào): Signal (e.g., cell signal, Wi-Fi signal). A lack of `信号` causes you to be `离线`.