Chinese word

键

Pronunciation

Pinyinjiàn

Meaning

  • nounkey

Example

这个键坏了，不能用。zhè ge jiàn huài le bù néng yòng

This key is broken and won't work.

Illustration for 键 (key)

More examples

长按电源键可以开机。cháng àn diàn yuán jiàn ké yǐ kāi jī

You can turn on the device by pressing and holding the power key.

Core concept

A selectable point on a device that turns an action or piece of information into a machine response.

Common phrases

  • 按住电源键àn zhù diàn yuán jiàn

    press and hold the power key

  • 回车键huí chē jiàn

    enter key

  • 删除键shān chú jiàn

    delete key

Similar words

按键àn jiàn: A button or key pressed by hand to operate a device or screen.
键盘jiàn pán: A device with many keys arranged for entering letters, numbers, or commands.
钥匙yào shi: A metal tool used to lock or unlock a door or other lock.
开关kāi guān: A device part used to turn a machine or function on or off.

Definition in Chinese

指设备上用于输入或控制的按键或键位，既可指实体按键也可指屏幕上的虚拟键。zhǐ shè bèi shàng yòng yú shū rù huò kòng zhì de àn jiàn huò jiàn wèi jì kě zhǐ shí tǐ àn jiàn yě kě zhǐ píng mù shàng de xū nǐ jiàn

Word origin

The word extends the older idea of a lock key to any designated part that activates or controls a device, including a virtual one.

Usage tips

  • For phones and computers, English may use key, button, or control according to the device, but Chinese can use this word for both physical and virtual controls.

Related words

Word lists with this word