钥匙

yào shi

CL 串 chuàn 把 bǎ

HSK 2.0 Level 4 HSK 3.0 Level 4 Noun Very common

Definitions

1. key

Word relationships

Related words

3 items

• 锁 suǒ 锁 suǒ to lock; to lock up 钥匙用来开锁: to lock; to lock up
• 开门 kāi mén 开门 kāi mén to open a door (lit. and fig.) 用钥匙开门: to open a door (lit. and fig.)
• 密码 mì mǎ 密码 mì mǎ cipher; secret code 密码锁不用钥匙: cipher; secret code

Usage notes

Common mistakes

钥匙 is often mispronounced as yào shí by learners; the correct pronunciation is yào shi with a neutral tone on the second syllable.

Formality

钥匙 is the standard term for 'key' in all registers; there is no formal or informal variant.

Example Sentences

5 shown

我的 钥匙 不见了。

My keys have disappeared.

请把 钥匙 挂在钩子上。

Please hang the key on the hook.

这是我的 钥匙 。

This is my key.

这是一把万能 钥匙 。

This is a master key.

他四处寻找丢失的 钥匙 。

He searched everywhere for his lost keys.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 钥匙

• 一把钥匙开一把锁 一把钥匙开一把锁 yī bǎ yào shi kāi yī bǎ suǒ: One key opens one lock.
• 公开钥匙 公开钥匙 gōng kāi yào shi: public key (in encryption)
• 私人钥匙 私人钥匙 sī rén yào shi: private key (in encryption)
• 万能钥匙 万能钥匙 wàn néng yào shi: master key
• 配钥匙 配钥匙 pèi yào shi: to make a key
• 钥匙卡 钥匙卡 yào shi kǎ: keycard
• 钥匙洞孔 钥匙洞孔 yào shi dòng kǒng: keyhole
• 钥匙链 钥匙链 yào shi liàn: keychain

Child Words of 钥匙

• 匙 匙 chí: spoon
• 钥 钥 yuè: key