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Why are some characters preferred in some areas more than others? I am referring to 綫 vs 線 in Hong Kong. They mean the same thing right?

I was also reading some articles related to the Dragon Boat Festival, why is 粽 preferred, but I also see the character 糭 in some (but really rare occasions).

Would you have other examples?

L Parker
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cgo
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    Does this answer your question? Traditional 綫 vs. 線? – L Parker May 23 '21 at 15:26
  • No. They are not the same, 綫 means boundary line as 前綫, 界綫, whereas 線 is the tangible thread, string line, 縫衣線, 毛線, 情牽一線. Your question is too broad, as there are regional differences, as well as differences between traditional and simplified Chinese. – r13 May 23 '21 at 18:44

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This is called 异体字 and I don't know this concept in English. In the old days, there are often multiple characters for a single 字, if you know some japanese kanji, you would even find more 异体字, some even different from those in China.

ramhuw
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