备用钥匙
bèiyòng yàoshi
In Mandarin, 'duplicate key' is expressed as 备用钥匙 (bèiyòng yàoshi).
The term is used to refer to an extra copy of a key intended for backup use if the original is lost. While the English 'duplicate key' can sometimes imply a copy made for any specific purpose, the Mandarin term 备用钥匙 specifically emphasizes the function of being a 'spare' kept for emergencies.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 备用 (bèiyòng), meaning 'spare' or 'for backup use' and 钥匙 (yàoshi), meaning 'key'.
Which one should you use?
To express the specific action of getting a duplicate key made, you can use the verb 配 (pèi), as in 配一把钥匙 (pèi yī bǎ yàoshi). Additionally, if you want to express the idea of making an extra key in an informal context, you can say 多做一把钥匙.
How do you pronounce it?
bèiyòng yàoshi
Did you know?
- The character 备 (bèi) in 备用 shares a root with the word for 'preparation'. In ancient texts, it could refer to the act of stockpiling weapons or armor for a coming war.
- The classifier 把 (bǎ) used with 钥匙 is the same word used for umbrellas and chairs. It is specifically used for objects with a handle that you can grasp with your hand.
- The word for 'key', 钥匙 (yàoshi), contains the character 钥 which originally referred to a metal bolt or a sliding bar used to secure a door.
Examples in context
- 我需要复制一把钥匙。I need to duplicate a key.
- 我想多做一把钥匙。I would like to make an extra key.
- 我有备用钥匙。Wǒ yǒu bèiyòng yàoshi.I have a duplicate key.
- 请把备用钥匙给我。Qǐng bǎ bèiyòng yàoshi gěi wǒ.Please give me the duplicate key.
- 这里有一把备用钥匙。Zhèlǐ yǒu yī bǎ bèiyòng yàoshi.There is a duplicate key here.
Example conversation
At home, Wei is looking for his house keys.
- 伟 Wei我找不到家里的钥匙了。Wǒ zhǎo bù dào jiālǐ de yàoshi le.I can't find my house keys.
- 欣怡 Xinyi你用备用钥匙吧。Nǐ yòng bèiyòng yàoshi ba.Just use the duplicate key.
- 伟 Wei备用钥匙在哪儿？Bèiyòng yàoshi zài nǎ'er?Where is the duplicate key?
- 欣怡 Xinyi在桌子上面的抽屉里。Zài zhuōzi shàngmiàn de chōuti lǐ.It's in the drawer on the table.
