鑳 (jiàn) - Key & a key for a lock

鑳Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 25 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

鑳 · jiàn

Key;

a key for a lock;

also used metaphorically for something crucial or essential.

Keya key for a lockalso used metaphorically for something crucial or essential.

Usage highlights

KeyCrucial pointKey positionKey linkKey technologyKey factor

Synonyms

  • 鍵— Key (more common simplified/traditional form)
  • 匙— Key (as in 鑳匙/钥匙)
  • 關鍵— Crucial point, key aspect

Antonyms

  • 鎖— Lock (opposite function)
  • 障礙— Obstacle (opposite of solution)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need the key to open the door (用鑳匙开门).
  • This is the key to solving the problem (这是解决问题的关键).
  • He holds the key position in the company (他在公司担任关键职位).
  • Education is the key to success (教育是成功的关键).

Collocations

  • Key(鑳匙)
  • Crucial point(关键)
  • Key position(关键职位)
  • Key link(关键环节)
  • Key technology(关键技术)
  • Key factor(关键因素)

Idioms

  • The key to the matter(问题的关键)
  • Hold the key to success(掌握成功的关键)
  • At the critical moment(在关键时刻)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 鑳 is a variant form of 鍵 (key), sharing the same meaning and pronunciation.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, keys symbolize access, control, and solutions to important matters.
  • The character appears more frequently in historical texts and regional variants than in modern standard usage.

FAQ