joek6鑰钥
Jyutpingjoek6
Yaleyeuhk
Definition
A key, used literally or figuratively.
neutralhomedaily actions
How it's used
Standalone usage of 鑰 is extremely rare in spoken Cantonese, as it almost exclusively appears as part of the disyllabic word 鑰匙. Even in written contexts, it is usually paired to avoid ambiguity. It functions as a morpheme rather than a free-standing noun in daily conversation.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
I forgot to bring my keys when I left.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 鑰 alone because they see it in dictionaries, but native speakers will almost always say 鑰匙 or the more common colloquial term 鎖匙.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
