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键 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
键
jiàn
key (on a piano or computer keyboard)
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5718, Hard
键
jiàn
button (on a mouse or other device)
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5718, Hard
键
jiàn
chemical bond
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5718, Hard
键
jiàn
linchpin
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5718, Hard
键
jiàn
lock, door bolt; key
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5718, Hard
jiàn(jian4)jian T4
1key (on a piano or computer keyboard)
2button (on a mouse or other device)
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March 24, 2026
键(鍵)jiàn(jian4)
The character 键 (jiàn) primarily refers to a 'key' on a musical instrument or a keyboard, such as a piano or computer. It can also denote a button on devices like a mouse, and metaphorically, it can represent a crucial element or 'linchpin' in a system, as well as a type of chemical bond in scientific contexts.
Strokes13Radical钅Frequency#5718DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In modern Chinese culture, keyboards and electronic devices are ubiquitous, making 键 a relevant term in daily life. Understanding this character can enhance one's ability to discuss technology and music, both significant aspects of contemporary Chinese society.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant piano keyboard where each key (键) is a door that opens to new musical worlds. The character 键 has the metal radical, which connects to the idea of 'keys' as essential tools, while the sound 'jiàn' can be remembered like 'Jan' playing the piano.
Meanings of 键
jiàn(jian4)
1key (on a piano or computer keyboard)
2button (on a mouse or other device)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 键
键Simplified
鍵Traditional
13Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5718Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 键
Podcast: 键
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AI study notes for 键
Quick Contrast
按键 (àn jiàn) vs 键 (jiàn): Use 按键 when specifically referring to a 'button' that is pressed, whereas 键 can refer to both keys and buttons more generally.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 键 with other similar characters like 鍵 (jiàn, a variant used in Taiwanese Mandarin). It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware of collocations such as '键盘' (keyboard) and '按键' (button). Pay attention to the pronunciation to avoid confusion with the similar-sounding 见 (jiàn).
HSK Study Tips
While 键 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to topics like technology and music, which are often found in HSK materials. Students should focus on the contexts in which 键 is used and practice using it in sentences involving technology or music.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 键 with 键盘 (keyboard), mistakenly thinking they are interchangeable when they are related but distinct. Remember, 键 specifically refers to the key itself, while 键盘 refers to the entire keyboard.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 键
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 键 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
键 = 钅 + 建. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 键
IDS Structure⿰钅建
键Full character
=
钅jin1
left
建jian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 键?
How to say key (on a piano or computer keyboard) in Chinese
“key (on a piano or computer keyboard)” in Chinese is键jiàn
The character 键 (jiàn) primarily refers to a 'key' on a musical instrument or a keyboard, such as a piano or computer. It can also denote a button on devices like a mouse, and metaphorically, it can represent a crucial element or 'linchpin' in a system, as well as a type of chemical bond in scientific contexts.
When to use 键
Common mistakes include confusing 键 with other similar characters like 鍵 (jiàn, a variant used in Taiwanese Mandarin). It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware of collocations such as '键盘' (keyboard) and '按键' (button). Pay attention to the pronunciation to avoid confusion with the similar-sounding 见 (jiàn).
键 or something close to it
按键 (àn jiàn) vs 键 (jiàn): Use 按键 when specifically referring to a 'button' that is pressed, whereas 键 can refer to both keys and buttons more generally.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 键 with 键盘 (keyboard), mistakenly thinking they are interchangeable when they are related but distinct. Remember, 键 specifically refers to the key itself, while 键盘 refers to the entire keyboard.
Write 键
键
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Practice writing 键 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 键
键 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 5 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.
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Cultural Notes for 键
💡Did you know?
In Chinese, '键' is not only associated with physical keys but also symbolizes critical connections, like the key to success in various contexts.
Word Family of 键
Words containing this character20
关键guānjiàncrux關鍵
键jiànlinchpin鍵
键盘jiànpánkeyboard鍵盤
关键词guānjiàncíkeyword關鍵詞
按键ànjiànkeystroke按鍵
快捷键kuàijiéjiànhotkey快捷鍵
关键字guānjiànzìkeyword關鍵字
琴键qínjiàna piano key琴鍵
化学键huàxuéjiànchemical bond化學鍵
共价键gòngjiàjiàncovalent bond (chemistry)共價鍵
氢键qīngjiànhydrogen bond氫鍵
双键shuāngjiàndouble bond (chemistry)雙鍵
单键dānjiànsingle bond (chemistry)單鍵
空格键kònggéjiànspace bar (keyboard)空格鍵
回车键huíchējiàncarriage return回車鍵
电键diànjiànswitch電鍵
键槽jiàncáokey slot鍵槽
肽键tàijiànpeptide bond CO-NH肽鍵
离子键lízǐjiànionic bond (chemistry)離子鍵
色键sèjiànchroma key色鍵
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 键
What does 关键 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 键
键 (jiàn) generally refers to 'key' or 'button' on devices like keyboards, while 按钮 (ànniǔ) specifically refers to a 'button' that you push, often in the context of appliances or devices. Understanding the context helps in choosing the right word.
In music, 键 (jiàn) refers to the keys of a piano. For example, you might say '我正在学习弹钢琴的键' (Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí tán gāngqín de jiàn), meaning 'I am learning to play the keys of the piano.' This highlights its importance in musical terminology.
键 (jiàn) means 'key' or 'button' in Chinese. It can refer to keys on a piano or a computer keyboard, as well as buttons on a mouse or other devices. Additionally, it can represent a chemical bond or a linchpin in a metaphorical sense.
You can use 键 (jiàn) in sentences like '我正在按键盘上的键' (Wǒ zhèngzài àn jiànpán shàng de jiàn), which means 'I am pressing a key on the keyboard.' This demonstrates its use in the context of technology, specifically computers.
In music, 键 refers to the keys on a piano, which are essential for playing notes.
Yes, 键 can also refer to buttons on devices like mice, as well as metaphorical keys in discussions about important concepts.
Yes, 键 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing technology.
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