网络

The Chinese word 网络 (wǎng luò) for "network" is a compound of two characters: 网 (wǎng) meaning "net" and 络 (luò) meaning "connect". The original meaning of 网络 was "fishing net", but it has been extended to refer to any kind of network, including computer networks, social networks, and transportation networks.The character 网 (wǎng) is a pictograph of a fishing net. It is one of the oldest Chinese characters, dating back to the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BC). The character 络 (luò) is a phonetic compound, combining the radical 丝 (sī) meaning "silk" with the phonetic element 洛 (luò). The character 洛 (luò) is also used in the word 骆驼 (luò tuó) meaning "camel".The compound word 网络 (wǎng luò) first appeared in the Chinese language in the 19th century. It was used to translate the English word "network". The word 网络 quickly became popular in Chinese, and it is now used in a wide variety of contexts.