锁

• Pinyin: suǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 锁 = 钅 (metal) + 小 (small) + 贝 (shell/money) — a metal securing device

Meaning

Lock; to lock. A device for securing doors or containers, or the action of fastening with a lock.

As a noun, refers to various types of locks: 门锁 (door lock), 密码锁 (combination lock). As a verb, means to lock: 锁门 (lock the door). Extended to digital contexts: 锁屏 (lock screen), 锁定 (to lock in/confirm).

Examples

1. 出门之前别忘了锁门。 Don't forget to lock the door before going out.
2. 这把锁已经生锈了，打不开。 This lock is already rusty and won't open.
3. 他把重要文件锁在保险箱里。 He locked the important documents in the safe.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, security, technology

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你锁门了吗？(Did you lock the door?)
• 这个锁的密码是什么？(What's the combination for this lock?)

Don't Say

• 说'锁住我的心'在正式场合 (Don't use 锁住我的心 in formal contexts — it's a romantic/poetic expression; use 打动 or 感动 for affecting someone's heart)

Origin & History

金 (metal) + 肖 (to resemble). A metal device that secures things.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal