按键

• Pinyin: àn jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 按 = 扌(hand) + 安 (peace, phonetic); 键 = 钅(metal) + 建 (build, phonetic)

Meaning

Button; key (on a device or keyboard).

Refers to physical or virtual buttons that can be pressed. Commonly used for keyboards, remote controls, phones, and electronic devices.

Examples

1. 这个遥控器的按键太小了，老人家按不准。 The buttons on this remote are too small — elderly people can't press them accurately.
2. 手机上的虚拟按键比实体按键更容易坏。 Virtual buttons on phones break more easily than physical buttons.
3. 按下这个按键就可以启动机器。 Press this button to start the machine.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, everyday

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 这个按键是做什么用的？(What is this button for?)
• 键盘上有几个按键失灵了。(Several keys on the keyboard are not working.)

Don't Say

• 把门铃按钮说成'按键' (Don't use 按键 for doorbells — use 按钮 for non-keyboard buttons)

Origin & History

按 (to press) + 键 (key). Together: a key that is pressed.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal