匙 (shi) - Spoon & key (depending on pronunciation)

匙Tone 5

shi ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

匙 · shi

Spoon;

key (depending on pronunciation)

Spoonkey (depending on pronunciation)

Usage highlights

spoonkeyteaspoontablespoonkey pointspoonful

Synonyms

  • 勺— spoon, ladle
  • 钥匙— key (when used in this compound)

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please pass me a spoon (汤匙).
  • I need the key to open this door (钥匙).
  • This is a teaspoon (茶匙).
  • The key to success is hard work (成功的钥匙).

Collocations

  • spoon(匙子)
  • key(钥匙)
  • teaspoon(茶匙)
  • tablespoon(汤匙)
  • key point(关键匙)
  • spoonful(一匙)

Idioms

  • Key to the city(城门钥匙)
  • Golden key(金钥匙)
  • Spoon and chopsticks(匙箸)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 匙 has dual meanings depending on pronunciation: spoon (chi2) and key (shi0 in 钥匙)
  • In traditional Chinese culture, keys symbolize access, control, and solutions
  • The character appears in both everyday objects (spoons) and metaphorical expressions (keys to success)

FAQ