鎖匙 / 锁匙
so² si⁴
The English phrase 'key' is translated into Cantonese as 鎖匙 / 锁匙 (so² si⁴). Wiktionary also lists 鑰匙 / 钥匙 (joek⁶ si⁴).
Meaning: device designed to open and close a lock (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 鎖匙 / 锁匙 | so² si⁴ | |
| 鑰匙 / 钥匙 | joek⁶ si⁴ | literary |
This noun refers to a device designed to open and close a lock.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 鎖匙 is a compound of 鎖 (lock) and 匙 (spoon/key).
Which one should you use?
The form 鎖匙 is the standard term used in everyday spoken Cantonese, while 鑰匙 / 钥匙 is a more formal or literary term often found in written Chinese or formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
so² si⁴
Did you know?
- The character 匙 in 鎖匙 originally meant 'spoon'. This suggests that ancient tools for opening locks may have shared a similar shape or material with eating utensils.
- The word for 'musical key' in Cantonese is 調, which relates to 'tone' or 'melody' rather than a physical locking device.
- If you use the formal 鑰匙 while shopping at a local wet market, you may sound more like a character from a classic novel than a local resident.
Examples in context
- 我幫你拎鎖匙嘅。I'll help you carry the keys.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “key” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
