ànjiàn: 按键 - Button, Key (on a device)

• Keywords: anjian, 按键, Chinese button, Chinese key, keyboard key in Chinese, press a button Chinese, what is anjian, 按键 meaning, Chinese for keypad, phone button Chinese
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 按键 (ànjiàn), which means “button” or “key,” specifically for electronic devices like keyboards, phones, and remote controls. This guide breaks down its meaning, practical usage in modern China, and how it differs from similar words like 按钮 (ànniǔ). Discover how this simple word is fundamental to navigating the digital world in Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): ànjiàn
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A physical or digital key or button on a device; the act of pressing a key.
• In a Nutshell: 按键 (ànjiàn) is the most common word for a key on a keyboard, a button on a phone keypad, or a button on a remote control. It's a very literal word, combining “to press” (按) and “key” (键). Think of it as the functional button you press to input a command or character into a device.

• 按 (àn): To press, push down, or depress. The radical 扌(tí shǒu páng) on the left is the “hand” radical, indicating an action performed with the hand.
• 键 (jiàn): A key. The radical 钅(jīn zì páng) on the left is the “metal” radical, originally referring to metal keys for locks. Its meaning has expanded to include keys on pianos, typewriters, and now, electronic keyboards.
• Together, 按 (press) + 键 (key) logically forms 按键 (ànjiàn), a “press-key” or “button”.

Unlike ancient philosophical terms, 按键 (ànjiàn) is a product of modernity. Its significance lies in its ubiquity in today's tech-driven Chinese society. The widespread adoption of computers, smartphones, and countless other gadgets has made `按键` a fundamental part of the daily vocabulary for everyone, from children playing games to seniors using a TV remote. In Western culture, we use “key” (for keyboards) and “button” (for phones, remotes) somewhat interchangeably. Chinese makes a slightly clearer distinction. 按键 (ànjiàn) emphasizes the “key” aspect, often implying it's part of a set or keypad (键盘 - jiànpán). This contrasts with a standalone “button,” like a power button or doorbell, which is more often called a 按钮 (ànniǔ). The term `按键` reflects the standardization and input-focused nature of modern digital interfaces that have become universal in China.

`按键` is a neutral, standard term used in both spoken and written Chinese across various modern contexts.

• Computers and Electronics: This is its primary domain. It's used to talk about any key on a keyboard, calculator, or remote control. E.g., “the Enter key” (回车按键 - huíchē ànjiàn).
• Mobile Phones: Used for physical buttons like the volume or power buttons (音量按键 - yīnliàng ànjiàn).
• Instructions and Manuals: Technical documentation will almost always use `按键` when referring to keys on a device. E.g., “Press the 'confirm' key” (请按“确认”按键).
• As a Verb: While less common in casual speech than just using `按 (àn)`, it can function as a verb, meaning “to press a key,” especially in more formal or automated instructions.

• Example 1:
  • 我的键盘上有一个按键卡住了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de jiànpán shàng yǒu yí ge ànjiàn kǎzhù le.
  • English: One of the keys on my keyboard is stuck.
  • Analysis: A classic and straightforward example of `按键` used as a noun to refer to a single keyboard key.
• Example 2:
  • 请按任意按键以继续。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng àn rènyì ànjiàn yǐ jìxù.
  • English: Please press any key to continue.
  • Analysis: This is a very common instruction seen on computer screens. Here, `按 (àn)` is the verb and `按键 (ànjiàn)` is the noun (object).
• Example 3:
  • 这款手机的侧面按键手感很好。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn shǒujī de cèmiàn ànjiàn shǒugǎn hěn hǎo.
  • English: The side buttons on this phone have a great tactile feel.
  • Analysis: Used to describe physical buttons on a device, in this case, a smartphone.
• Example 4:
  • 遥控器上的音量按键好像坏了。
  • Pinyin: Yáokòngqì shàng de yīnliàng ànjiàn hǎoxiàng huài le.
  • English: It seems the volume buttons on the remote control are broken.
  • Analysis: `按键` is used here to refer to a specific function's buttons on a remote.
• Example 5:
  • 你需要同时按下这两个按键。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ xūyào tóngshí ànxià zhè liǎng ge ànjiàn.
  • English: You need to press these two keys at the same time.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how to talk about multiple keys and the common action verb `按下 (ànxià)`.
• Example 6:
  • 电梯里的每个按键都对应一个楼层。
  • Pinyin: Diàntī lǐ de měi ge ànjiàn dōu duìyìng yí ge lóucéng.
  • English: Every button in the elevator corresponds to a floor.
  • Analysis: Shows the use of `按键` for a keypad in a non-computer context, like an elevator.
• Example 7:
  • 在游戏中，这个按键是用来跳跃的。
  • Pinyin: Zài yóuxì zhōng, zhè ge ànjiàn shì yònglái tiàoyuè de.
  • English: In the game, this button is for jumping.
  • Analysis: Very common in the context of video games and controllers.
• Example 8:
  • 他不小心碰到了删除按键，文件都不见了。
  • Pinyin: Tā bù xiǎoxīn pèngdào le shānchú ànjiàn, wénjiàn dōu bú jiàn le.
  • English: He accidentally hit the delete key, and all the files disappeared.
  • Analysis: Highlights the function of a specific key, “delete” (删除).
• Example 9:
  • 这台机器的设计非常简洁，只有一个按键。
  • Pinyin: Zhè tái jīqì de shèjì fēicháng jiǎnjié, zhǐyǒu yí ge ànjiàn.
  • English: This machine's design is very minimalist; it only has one button.
  • Analysis: In this context, `按键` and `按钮` could be interchangeable, but `按键` gives a slightly more technical, functional feel.
• Example 10:
  • 请按键确认您的选择。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng ànjiàn quèrèn nín de xuǎnzé.
  • English: Please press a key to confirm your selection.
  • Analysis: An example of `按键` used as a verb, common in automated prompts or formal instructions.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 按键 (ànjiàn) and 按钮 (ànniǔ).

• 按键 (ànjiàn): Best for keys in a set. Think keyboards, keypads, remotes, piano keys. It emphasizes the “key” part of the word.
• 按钮 (ànniǔ): Best for standalone buttons. Think doorbells, a big red power button on a factory machine, or the “submit” button on a website. It emphasizes the “push-button” or “knob” aspect.

Common Mistake: Using `按键` for on-screen, graphical user interface (GUI) buttons. While a native speaker would understand you, the more standard and natural term is `按钮 (ànniǔ)`.

• Incorrect: `请点击网页上那个蓝色的按键。` (Qǐng diǎnjī wǎngyè shàng nàge lánsè de ànjiàn.)
• Why it's wrong: This sounds like you're telling someone to click a physical key that is somehow on the webpage.
• Correct: `请点击网页上那个蓝色的按钮。` (Qǐng diǎnjī wǎngyè shàng nàge lánsè de ànniǔ.) - Please click that blue button on the webpage.

• 按钮 (ànniǔ) - A standalone “button.” The closest and most important related term to distinguish from `按键`.
• 键盘 (jiànpán) - A keyboard; a panel (盘) of keys (键). A device made up of many `按键`.
• 点击 (diǎnjī) - To click (with a mouse). This is the primary action for interacting with on-screen `按钮`.
• 输入 (shūrù) - To input/enter. This is the ultimate purpose of using `按键` on a keyboard.
• 开关 (kāiguān) - A switch (literally “open-close”). A different type of control that typically stays in one of two positions.
• 遥控器 (yáokòngqì) - Remote control. A device that is covered in `按键`.
• 触摸屏 (chùmōpíng) - Touchscreen. Modern technology that often replaces the need for physical `按键`.
• 敲 (qiāo) - To tap, knock, or strike. Often used for the physical action of typing, as in `敲键盘` (qiāo jiànpán - to type on the keyboard). It describes the motion, whereas `按` describes the specific action of depressing a key.