HSK 4 · Chinese hanzi
键 — key (for a lock, keyboard, etc.)
- Reading
- jiàn
- Meaning
- key (for a lock, keyboard, etc.); crucial point
- HSK level
- HSK 4
- Language
- Chinese
About this hanzi
键 is a chinese hanzi character commonly studied at the HSK 4 level. Its primary reading is jiàn and it means key (for a lock, keyboard, etc.); crucial point. To master it, see it in real Chinese content — import an article or YouTube video into InputDojo and every occurrence becomes a one-tap lookup.
键 appears in everyday chinese words such as 键 (key (e.g. keyboard)), 关键 (crucial, key) and 键盘 (keyboard (computing)).
Chinese words containing 键
Frequently asked questions
What does 键 mean in Chinese?
键 means key (for a lock, keyboard, etc.); crucial point in Chinese. It is one of the HSK 4 hanzi every learner meets at that level.
How is 键 read?
键 is read jiàn. Reading it inside real words — 键 and 关键 and more — is the fastest way to remember it.
What level is 键 — is it HSK 4?
Yes. 键 is on the official HSK 4 hanzi list, so it can appear in that exam's reading and vocabulary sections.
How do you use 键 in a word?
A common word containing 键 is 键 (jiàn) — "key (e.g. keyboard)". More examples are listed below, each with a one-tap dictionary entry.
How do I learn 键 effectively?
Read it in context. Import any Chinese article or video into InputDojo and every occurrence of 键 becomes a one-tap lookup with SRS flashcards, so you meet it in real sentences instead of a list.
More HSK 4 hanzi
Learn every HSK hanzi in context
InputDojo gives you the full HSK 1–9 hanzi list — plus one-tap lookups in any real Chinese content. Free to start.
Start free