Meaning and Usage
The character 键 (jiàn) primarily refers to a 'key' in two main contexts: a physical key used to open locks, and a key on a keyboard or other device. It is commonly used in technology-related vocabulary such as 键盘 (keyboard) and 快捷键 (shortcut key).
Common Collocations
- 键盘 (jiànpán): keyboard, the set of keys on a computer or typewriter.
- 快捷键 (kuàijié jiàn): shortcut key, a key or combination of keys that perform a quick command.
- 门键 (mén jiàn): door key, the physical key used to open a door.
Usage Notes
When referring to physical keys for locks, 键 is interchangeable with 钥匙 (yàoshi), but 键 is more formal and often used in compound words. For keyboard keys, 键 is the standard term. Avoid confusing 键 with 建 (jiàn), which means 'to build.'
Register and Tone
The word 键 is neutral in tone and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially in technical or everyday settings involving computers or locks.