Meanings of 鍵
By ear
Play it, then pick what 鍵 means.
About 鍵
Podcast: 鍵
Podcast: 鍵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鍵
锁 (suǒ) - use 鍵 (jiàn) when referring to a key, while 锁 (suǒ) refers specifically to a lock itself.
Be careful not to confuse 鍵 (jiàn) with the similar-sounding 鉴 (jiàn), which means 'to appreciate or appraise'. This character is generally used in formal contexts regarding security; colloquially, you might just say '钥匙' (yàoshi) for 'key'. Remember to pronounce it with the fourth tone: jiàn.
Since 鍵 is not included in the HSK levels, focus on its practical usages and associations with other words related to security, such as 锁 (suǒ) for 'lock'. This can deepen your understanding of vocabulary around safety and security.
Learners often mistakenly write 鍵 with the wrong radicals, such as using the radical for water instead of metal. The correct form has the metal radical (金) indicating it's related to keys.
Pronunciation of 鍵
Drill the tone of 鍵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 鍵 to You
Let me explain 鍵 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 鍵 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 鍵
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 建 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鍵.
metal
Origin
鍵 = 釒 + 建. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 鍵
Parts
Which of these is part of 鍵?
How to say lock, door bolt; key in Chinese
“lock, door bolt; key” in Chinese is鍵
The character 鍵 (jiàn) primarily means 'key' and can also refer to a 'lock' or 'door bolt'. It is commonly used in contexts involving security, such as locking doors or starting vehicles, and can also metaphorically refer to something that is essential or crucial for achieving a goal.
When to use 鍵
Be careful not to confuse 鍵 (jiàn) with the similar-sounding 鉴 (jiàn), which means 'to appreciate or appraise'. This character is generally used in formal contexts regarding security; colloquially, you might just say '钥匙' (yàoshi) for 'key'. Remember to pronounce it with the fourth tone: jiàn.
鍵 or something close to it
锁 (suǒ) - use 鍵 (jiàn) when referring to a key, while 锁 (suǒ) refers specifically to a lock itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly write 鍵 with the wrong radicals, such as using the radical for water instead of metal. The correct form has the metal radical (金) indicating it's related to keys.
Write 鍵
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鍵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 鍵?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 鍵
Words with 鍵
What does 关键 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鍵
You would say '给我钥匙' (gěi wǒ yàoshi) for 'give me the key'. If using 鍵 in a specific context, ensure it makes sense.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 鍵?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.