锁 (suǒ) - Lock — a device for fastening or securing & to lock up

锁Tone 3

suǒ ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

锁 · suǒ

Lock — a device for fastening or securing something;

to lock up;

to confine;

a state of being fastened or closed.

Lock — a device for fastening or securingto lock upto confine

Usage highlights

Door lockTo lockLock and keySafety lockChain lockLock screen

Synonyms

  • 关— to close; to shut
  • 封— to seal; to close

Antonyms

  • 开— to open; to unlock
  • 放— to release; to let go

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need to buy a new door lock (门锁).
  • Please lock the safe (锁上保险箱).
  • He forgot the combination to the lock (锁的密码).
  • This file is password locked (文件被密码锁住了).

Collocations

  • Door lock(门锁)
  • To lock(锁上)
  • Lock and key(锁匙)
  • Safety lock(安全锁)
  • Chain lock(链锁)
  • Lock screen(锁屏)

Idioms

  • Lock down tightly, guard securely(封锁严密)
  • A heavy lock and a strong door(重锁固门)
  • Break the lock and enter(破锁而入)
  • Lock one's heart and throw away the key(锁心弃钥)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Locks in Chinese culture symbolize security, stability, and the containment of valuables or secrets.
  • Historically, intricate metal locks were crafted as both functional objects and symbols of status and craftsmanship.
  • The character is metaphorically used to describe a state of being closed off, restricted, or protected.

FAQ