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March 24, 2026
钥匙(鑰匙)yàoshi(yao4shi5)
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.
Strokes20Frequency#837DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, keys symbolize access and control. The concept of 'keys to success' is prevalent, and they are often metaphorically used in discussions about achieving goals or unlocking potential.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 钥 (yào) as a hand holding a key to a door, where the radical 钅 (metal) indicates that it is a metallic object. The second character 锁 (suǒ) is often associated with locks, reinforcing the connection. Imagine saying 'yao' every time you unlock a new door in life!
Meanings of 钥匙
yàoshi(yao4shi5)
1key
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About 钥匙
钥匙Simplified
鑰匙Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#837Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 钥匙
Podcast: 钥匙
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AI Study Notes for 钥匙
Quick Contrast
锁 (suǒ, lock) — choose 钥匙 when referring to the object that opens a lock, rather than the lock itself.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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).
Common Mistakes
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'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钥匙
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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
钥
匙
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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.
