钥匙

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Character Breakdown

Understanding 钥匙 (yàoshi)

The word 钥匙 literally means "key," referring to the physical object used to open locks. It is a common everyday noun essential for talking about doors, locks, and access.

Usage and Context

钥匙 is used primarily to denote a physical key. It can be used in various contexts such as losing a key, handing it over for safekeeping, or describing a master key that opens multiple doors.

Common Collocations

These collocations are very frequent in daily conversation.

Important Notes

Although the character contains the component for "lock," the second character originally means "spoon" but here is used phonetically. Don't confuse 钥匙 with alone, which means spoon. 钥匙 is always about keys.

Avoid mixing 钥匙 with other words for keys in metaphorical or abstract senses; 钥匙 is mostly literal and concrete.

Example Sentences

I can't find my key, so I can't enter the door.

Please hand over the key to the front desk for safekeeping.

This key can open all the office doors.