Meanings of 钥匙
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Podcast: 钥匙
Podcast: 钥匙
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AI study notes for 钥匙
锁 (suǒ, lock) — choose 钥匙 when referring to the object that opens a lock, rather than the lock itself.
When using 钥匙, remember it is often combined with the measure word 把 (bǎ), as in '一把钥匙' (yī bǎ yàoshi), meaning 'a key'. Avoid confusing it with 锁 (suǒ) which means 'lock'. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 钥匙 connects well with vocabulary related to daily life and practical objects. Students should focus on using it in sentences that involve directions or tasks, integrating it with other HSK Level 4 words like 门 (mén - door) and 房子 (fángzi - house).
Learners often forget to use the correct measure word. For example, saying '一钥匙' instead of '一把钥匙' is incorrect. Also, some might confuse it with the character 锁 (suǒ), which means 'lock'.
Pronunciation of 钥匙
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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.
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Component characters
How to say key in Chinese
“key” in Chinese is钥匙
钥匙 (yàoshi) means 'key' in Mandarin. It refers to a physical object used to open locks, such as doors or safes. In a broader context, it can also symbolize solutions or methods to access something, both literally and metaphorically.
When to use 钥匙
When using 钥匙, remember it is often combined with the measure word 把 (bǎ), as in '一把钥匙' (yī bǎ yàoshi), meaning 'a key'. Avoid confusing it with 锁 (suǒ) which means 'lock'. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
钥匙 or something close to it
锁 (suǒ, lock) — choose 钥匙 when referring to the object that opens a lock, rather than the lock itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget to use the correct measure word. For example, saying '一钥匙' instead of '一把钥匙' is incorrect. Also, some might confuse it with the character 锁 (suǒ), which means 'lock'.
Write 钥匙
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Practice writing 钥匙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 钥匙
钥匙 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你怎么老忘记带____？
Why do you always forget to bring your keys?
Example sentences for 钥匙 (10)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “Shall I get the keys?”
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Frequently asked questions about 钥匙
The pinyin is yàoshi, with the first syllable pronounced with a falling tone and the second with a neutral tone.
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