Chinese Character: 键
1. Character Basics
Radical: 钅/jīn radical (金字旁)
Stroke Count: 13
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiàn (fourth tone)
3. Meaning
key, button, bond, link
4. Common Words
- 键盘 (jiàn pán) - keyboard
- 按键 (àn jiàn) - button, to press a key
- 关键 (guān jiàn) - key, crucial, critical
- 键入 (jiàn rù) - to type
- 双键 (shuāng jiàn) - double key
- 主键 (zhǔ jiàn) - primary key (in databases)
5. Grammar & Usage
键 is primarily used as a noun to refer to keys or buttons, especially on electronic devices. It is also used in abstract senses to mean "key" or "crucial" in phrases like 关键 (guān jiàn).
When used to refer to physical keys or buttons, 键 is often preceded by a modifier. For example, 键盘 (jiàn pán) means "keyboard", combining "key" with "board".
The phrase 关键 (guān jiàn) is particularly common in both spoken and written Chinese, meaning "key" or "crucial". It can be used as an adjective or a noun in sentences.
In modern technology contexts, 键 is also used in terms like 键入 (jiàn rù) meaning "to type" and 快捷键 (kuài jié jiàn) meaning "shortcut key" on a keyboard.
6. Cultural Background
The character 键 has become increasingly important in modern Chinese culture with the rise of technology. While traditionally it referred to mechanical keys or bonds, today it is most commonly associated with computer keyboards and electronic devices.
The widespread use of computers and smartphones in China has made terms like 键盘 (jiàn pán - keyboard) and 按键 (àn jiàn - button) essential vocabulary for people of all ages.
The phrase 关键 (guān jiàn - key, crucial) has deep cultural roots and is often used in discussions about important decisions, problem-solving, and strategic thinking in both personal and professional contexts.
In Chinese internet culture, the term 键盘侠 (jiàn pán xiá - keyboard warrior) has emerged to describe people who make strong or aggressive comments online but may not act similarly in real life, reflecting how the character has evolved to take on new cultural meanings in the digital age.
7. Example Sentence
句子 (jù zi): 请用键盘键入你的密码。
Pronunciation (pīn yīn): Qǐng yòng jiàn pán jiàn rù nǐ de mì mǎ.
Translation (fān yì): Please type your password using the keyboard.
8. Memory Tips
The character 键 consists of two parts: 钅 (jīn, gold, metal) on the left and 建 (jiàn, build, construct) on the right. You can remember it by thinking of "a metal (钅) object that is built (建) to control or access something", which relates to its meaning of "key" or "button".
Another way to remember: 键 sounds like "jiàn" and is often used in the word 键盘 (jiàn pán) meaning "keyboard". Think of how we use keyboards to interact with computers.
The radical 钅 (metal) on the left of the character indicates that it is related to metal objects, which fits with the physical keys and buttons that are often made of metal or have metal components.