Korean word

열쇠

Pronunciation

Romanizationyeolsoe

Meaning

  • nounkey

Example

회사에 열쇠를 반납했어요.hoe sa e yeol soe reul pan na pae sseo yo

I returned the key to the company.

Illustration for 열쇠 (key)

More examples

집 열쇠를 가방에 넣었어요.chip yeol soe reul ka bang e neo eo sseo yo

I put the key in my bag.

밖에서 열쇠를 잃어버렸어요.pa kke seo yeol soe reul i reo beo ryeo sseo yo

I lost my key outside.

Core concept

A shaped piece of metal that opens a lock when it turns inside it.

Common phrases

  • 열쇠를 잃어버리다yeol soe reul i reo beo ri da

    lose the key

  • 열쇠를 찾다yeol soe reul chat tta

    find the key

Similar words

키ki: A small tool used to start a car or operate an electronic device.
자물쇠chamulsoe: A device fitted to an opening to keep it closed and secure.
암호amho: A secret combination of letters or numbers used to enter an account or unlock a device.

Definition in Korean

집이나 사물함 등의 잠금장치를 여는 데 쓰이는 작은 금속 장치.chi bi na sa mul ham teung ui cham geum jang chi reul yeo neun te sseu i neun cha geun keum sok chang chi

Word origin

Its form joins native Korean words connected with opening and metal, making its original meaning easy to picture.

Usage tips

  • For a keyboard button, Korean commonly uses a different loanword, so context helps distinguish it from a door or locker key.

Related words

Word lists with this word