Chinese word

钥匙

Pronunciation

Pinyinyào shi

Meaning

  • nounkey

Example

出门别忘了带钥匙。chū mén bié wàng le dài yào shi

Don't forget to bring your key when you go out.

Illustration for 钥匙 (key)

More examples

门外有个人，手里拿着一把钥匙。mén wài yǒu gè rén shóu lǐ ná zhe yì bǎ yào shi

There is someone outside the door holding a key.

Core concept

A handheld object that connects a person to a lock, controlling whether the lock allows entry or keeps something shut.

Common phrases

  • 找不到钥匙zhǎo bú dào yào shi

    can't find the key

  • 备用钥匙bèi yòng yào shi

    spare key

  • 插钥匙开锁chā yào shi kāi suǒ

    insert the key to unlock

Similar words

锁suǒ: A device fitted to a door, drawer, or container to keep it shut and block unwanted opening.

Definition in Chinese

钥匙是能插入并转动锁芯以控制锁舌从而开启或关闭锁的工具，常见为金属制，头部常有塑料包层或环以便携带。yào shi shì néng chā rù bìng zhuǎn dòng suǒ xīn yǐ kòng zhì suǒ shé cóng ér kāi qǐ huò guān bì suǒ de gōng jù cháng jiàn wèi jīn shǔ zhì tóu bù cháng yǒu sù liào bāo céng huò huán yǐ biàn xié dài

Word origin

钥匙 (yàoshi, "key") is a fixed compound built from 钥 (yào, "key") and 匙 (shi, "spoon"), with 匙 preserving the sense of a small utensil or tool.

Usage tips

  • The classifier 把 (bǎ, "classifier for handled objects") is especially useful in daily speech because it groups this noun with objects held or grasped as a unit.

Related words

  • 钥匙孔yào shi kǒngkeyholenoun
  • 钥匙圈yào shi quānkey ringnoun

Word lists with this word