网络 (wǎngluò)

网络 literally means a net-like structure. In modern Chinese it refers to computer networks, the internet, and the online world in general. It is a broader and more versatile term than 互联网 (the global Internet) and can refer to any type of network.

Meanings

[noun] network (computer, social, transport, etc.)
[noun] the internet; the online world (colloquially)
[adjective] online; internet-based; cyber

Example Sentences

网络谣言传播速度极快，往往在核实之前已造成严重社会影响。 Wǎngluò yáoyán chuánbō sùdù jí kuài, wǎngwǎng zài héshí zhīqián yǐ zàochéng yánzhòng shèhuì yǐngxiǎng. Online rumours spread extremely fast, often causing serious social impact before they can be verified.

这家公司建立了覆盖全国的物流配送网络，保证了次日达服务。 Zhè jiā gōngsī jiànlìle fùgài quánguó de wùliú pèisòng wǎngluò, bǎozhèngle cì rì dá fúwù. This company has established a logistics and distribution network covering the whole country, guaranteeing next-day delivery.

网络购物的便利性使得越来越多的消费者选择在线消费。 Wǎngluò gòuwù de biànlìxìng shǐdé yuè lái yuè duō de xiāofèizhě xuǎnzé zàixiàn xiāofèi. The convenience of online shopping has led more and more consumers to choose to shop online.

政府加强了对网络内容的监管，打击有害信息的传播。 Zhèngfǔ jiāqiángle duì wǎngluò nèiróng de jiāngguǎn, dǎjí yǒuhài xìnxī de chuánbō. The government has strengthened oversight of online content to combat the spread of harmful information.

社交网络改变了人们的交流方式，也带来了新的隐私挑战。 Shèjiāo wǎngluò gǎibiànle rénmen de jiāoliú fāngshì, yě dàiláile xīn de yǐnsī tiǎozhàn. Social networks have changed the way people communicate and also brought new privacy challenges.

在偏远地区扩大网络覆盖范围是缩小数字鸿沟的关键一步。 Zài piānyuǎn dìqū kuòdà wǎngluò fùgài fànwéi shì suōxiǎo shùzì hónggōu de guānjiàn yī bù. Expanding network coverage in remote areas is a key step in narrowing the digital divide.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
社交网络	social network
网络安全	cybersecurity; network security
网络平台	online platform
网络谣言	online rumours
互联网络	interconnected network
覆盖网络	to cover with a network

Usage Notes

网络 is broader than 互联网 (the Internet). 互联网 specifically means the global public internet, while 网络 can be any network: a railway network (铁路网络), a supply chain network (供应链网络), a social network (社交网络), or the internet in general.

As an adjective/modifier, 网络 commonly appears before nouns: 网络时代 (internet age), 网络文化 (internet culture), 网络游戏 (online game). This productive use makes it one of the most important modifier words in contemporary Chinese.

Memory Hook

网 (net) + 络 (entwine/link) -- a net whose threads are all linked together, forming a network that catches and connects everything.