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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.
Frequency#837DifficultyHard
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
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 钥匙
钥匙Simplified
鑰匙Traditional
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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!
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).
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.
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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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.
Shine the torch on the lock while I try to get the key in.
8
他本该带上一把备用钥匙的。
tā běn gāi dài shàng yī bǎ bèi yòng yuè chí de。
He could have taken a spare key.
9
她接住了落下的钥匙。
tā jiē zhù le luò xià de yuè chí。
She managed to catch the keys as they fell.
10
我被开除后，就拿了这些钥匙作为纪念。
wǒ bèi kāi chú hòu， ， jiù ná le zhè xiē yuè chí zuò wéi jì。
When I got canned, I took these keys as souvenirs.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
Shall I get the keys?
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Cultural Notes for 钥匙
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 钥匙
The pinyin is yàoshi, with the first syllable pronounced with a falling tone and the second with a neutral tone.
The measure word for 钥匙 is 把 (bǎ), used when counting keys.
Yes, 钥匙 can metaphorically refer to solutions or methods to unlock opportunities.
