joek6 si4鑰匙钥匙
Jyutpingjoek6 si4
Yaleyeuhk sìh
Definition
Key for a lock.
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
While 鑰匙 is the standard written term, almost everyone in Hong Kong uses 鎖匙 in daily speech. Using 鑰匙 in casual conversation can sound slightly formal or like a direct translation from written Chinese. Always pair it with the measure word 條 when referring to a single key.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 個 as the measure word for keys, but 條 is the correct classifier for long, thin objects like keys.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
