键 (jiàn) - Key — a metal device used to lock & crucial element or component

键Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

键 · jiàn

Key — a metal device used to lock or unlock;

crucial element or component;

button on a keyboard or keypad;

in music, a key or tonality.

Key — a metal device used to lockcrucial element or componentbutton on a keyboard or keypad

Usage highlights

KeyboardKey pointPassword keyFunction keyKey linkKey industry

Synonyms

  • 关键— crucial point; key aspect
  • 钥匙— physical key (for locks)

Antonyms

  • 锁— lock (as opposed to key)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need the key to open the door (钥匙).
  • Press the Enter key on the keyboard (按键).
  • The key to success is hard work (关键).
  • This piece is written in a major key (大调).

Collocations

  • Keyboard(键盘)
  • Key point(关键点)
  • Password key(密码键)
  • Function key(功能键)
  • Key link(关键环节)
  • Key industry(关键产业)

Idioms

  • Crucial link(关键环节)
  • Key figure(关键人物)
  • Turn the key(扭转关键)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the metal radical 钅 with the component 建, suggesting a metal object used for construction or securing.
  • In modern contexts, it is heavily associated with technology, computing, and keyboards.
  • Metaphorically represents essential or pivotal elements in various contexts.

FAQ