HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #11433, Hard
钥
yào
lock, key
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #11433, Hard
钥
yào
also pr. [yào]
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #11433, Hard
钥
yào
also pr. [yao4]
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #11433, Hard
yào(yao4)
primary
T4
1lock, key
2also pr. [yào]
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March 24, 2026
钥(鑰)yào(yao4)
The character 钥 (yào) primarily means 'key' and is used in contexts relating to unlocking or locking something. It can also refer to the essential element needed to access or control something, both literally and metaphorically.
Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#11433DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of keys is often tied to security and privacy, reflecting the societal value placed on personal space. Locksmiths are respected for their skills in helping others gain access while ensuring safety.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant key made of metal that looks like a 'yacht' (pronounced 'yào'). Visualize this key unlocking a treasure chest filled with valuable items, emphasizing its importance. The radical 钅 (metal) hints at the material of the key, reinforcing its meaning.
Meanings of 钥
yào(yao4)
primary
1lock, key
2also pr. [yào]
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 钥
钥Simplified
鑰Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11433Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 钥
Podcast: 钥
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AI Study Notes for 钥
Quick Contrast
钥 (key) vs 锁 (lock) — choose 钥 when referring to the object that opens something, not the mechanism that secures it.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant key made of metal that looks like a 'yacht' (pronounced 'yào'). Visualize this key unlocking a treasure chest filled with valuable items, emphasizing its importance. The radical 钅 (metal) hints at the material of the key, reinforcing its meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 钥, remember that it often appears in compound words, such as 钥匙 (yàoshi - key) and 钥圈 (yàoquān - key ring). Be cautious with tones, as the character can also be pronounced 'yào' in different contexts, which might confuse learners.
HSK Study Tips
While 钥 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to household items and daily life. Students should practice using it in phrases related to security and access.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of keys is often tied to security and privacy, reflecting the societal value placed on personal space. Locksmiths are respected for their skills in helping others gain access while ensuring safety.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钥 with 钥匙, mistakenly using 钥 in contexts where 钥匙 is appropriate, such as saying '我找不到钥' instead of '我找不到钥匙'. Always use 钥匙 for referring to keys.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钥
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Grammar Patterns of 钥
钥 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, the concept of keys is often tied to security and privacy, reflecting the societal value placed on personal space. Locksmiths are respected for their skills in helping others gain access while ensuring safety.
Word Family of 钥
Words Containing This Character5
钥匙yàoshikey鑰匙
钥yàokey鑰
钥匙链keychain鑰匙鏈
锁钥key and lock鎖鑰
一把钥匙开一把锁One key opens one lock.一把鑰匙開一把鎖
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 钥匙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钥
The character 钥 can be pronounced as yào or yè. Yào is the more common pronunciation when referring to 'key,' while yè may be used in specific contexts or phrases. Understanding the correct usage depends on the context of the sentence.
Yes, 钥 is used in various idiomatic expressions in Chinese, often symbolizing access or solutions. For example, the phrase '钥匙在你手中' (Yàoshi zài nǐ shǒuzhōng) translates to 'The key is in your hands,' implying that you have control over a situation.
钥 (yào) refers to a key used to unlock doors or secure locks. It can also be pronounced as yè in certain contexts. In addition to its literal meaning, it often symbolizes access or solutions in various idiomatic expressions.
You can use 钥 (yào) in sentences like '我找不到我的钥匙' (Wǒ zhǎo bù dào wǒ de yàoshi), which means 'I can't find my key.' It's commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing locks or security.
钥 (yào) refers to 'key' in a general sense, while 钥匙 (yàoshi) specifically means 'the key' or 'a key' used for unlocking.
Yes, 钥 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly seen in compound words.
Yes, it can also be used metaphorically to refer to solutions or answers to problems, akin to the English phrase 'the key to success'.
