钥匙 (yàoshi) — key

钥匙 (yàoshi)

钥匙 is the everyday word for a key — the physical object used to lock and unlock doors, cars, cabinets, and so on. The second character 匙 (spoon / key) carries a neutral tone in speech; the full word is pronounced yàoshi. It is also used metaphorically for the "key" to solving a problem.

Meanings

1. [noun] Key (for a lock); a physical key.
2. [noun] Key (figurative) — the crucial element that unlocks a solution.

Example Sentences

我找不到钥匙了，进不了门。 Wǒ zhǎo bù dào yàoshi le, jìn bù liǎo mén. I can't find the key; I can't get through the door.

请把钥匙放在桌子上。 Qǐng bǎ yàoshi fàng zài zhuōzi shàng. Please put the key on the table.

他忘记带钥匙了，只好等朋友回来。 Tā wàngjì dài yàoshi le, zhǐhǎo děng péngyǒu huílái. He forgot to bring his key and had no choice but to wait for his friend to come back.

努力是成功的钥匙。 Nǔlì shì chénggōng de yàoshi. Hard work is the key to success.

Collocations

Memory Hook

钥 has the metal radical 钅 (for metallic objects) and 匙 looks like a tiny spoon shape — which is exactly what an old-fashioned key resembles: a metal spoon that fits a lock.