密码

• Pinyin: mì mǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 密 = 宀 (roof) + 必 (must) + 山 (mountain) — secret; 码 = 石 (stone) + 马 (horse, phonetic) — code, number

Meaning

Password; code; PIN. A secret sequence of characters used to verify identity or unlock access.

Used for all types of passwords and security codes: computer passwords, phone PINs, bank card PINs, door codes, and encryption keys. In modern Chinese, it is one of the most frequently encountered technical terms. 输入密码 (enter password) and 修改密码 (change password) are everyday phrases.

Examples

1. 请输入你的密码登录系统。 Please enter your password to log into the system.
2. 我忘了银行卡的密码了。 I forgot my bank card PIN.
3. 为了安全，你应该定期修改密码。 For safety, you should change your password regularly.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, security, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• WiFi密码是多少？(What's the WiFi password?)
• 不要把密码告诉别人。(Don't tell anyone your password.)

Don't Say

• 我的密码是123456 — never share your actual password out loud; this is a security risk, and 123456 is far too simple

Origin & History

密 means 'secret' and 码 means 'code' or 'number.' A password is literally a secret code.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal