1. to enter data by typing on a keyboard
用鍵盤輸入（資料）
Please key in your password to continue.
請輸入您的密碼以繼續。
She quickly keyed the information into the database.
她迅速將資訊輸入資料庫。
Key Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
key
verb
快速理解
What does "Key" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Key"?
作為動詞，key 主要表示輸入資料、調整或使事物與某物相符。
- 1
輸入資料
EN: to key in data or information
翻譯: 輸入資料或資訊
- 2
調整以配合
EN: to key something to match or suit something else
翻譯: 調整某物以配合或適應另一事物
- 3
鎖定目標
EN: to key on a target or focus
翻譯: 鎖定目標或焦點
- 4
為樂器調音
EN: to key an instrument to a particular pitch
翻譯: 將樂器調至特定音高
小提醒：注意 key 作動詞時，常與介系詞 'in', 'into', 'on', 或 'to' 連用，表達不同的細微含義，例如 'key in data'（輸入資料）與 'key to a system'（配合系統）。
發音（How to Pronounce "Key" in English）
How to pronounce "Key" in English?"Key" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Key" from YouTube Videos
South Korea would accept Trump-Kim deal to freeze North Korea’s nuclear programme | BBC News
BBC News
“And Kim Jong-un saying, really for the first time since Trump returned to office, that he would be willing to sit down with President Trump, but with this one key caveat: that the US would need to drop this demand for North Korea to get rid of its nuclear weapons, this denuclearization which has been on the table before.”
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Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Key"?How does "Key" change by context?
2. to adjust or adapt something to match or suit something else
調整以配合；使適應
The marketing campaign was keyed to a younger audience.
這次行銷活動是針對年輕族群設計的。
He keyed his speech to the concerns of the local community.
他根據當地社區的關切點調整了他的演講。
3. to vandalize a car by scratching it with a key
用鑰匙刮傷（車輛）
Someone keyed his new car in the parking lot.
有人在停車場用鑰匙刮傷了他的新車。
Vandals had keyed several vehicles on the street.
破壞者在街上刮傷了好幾輛車。
4. to make someone excited, tense, or emotionally charged
使興奮；使緊張；使情緒激動
The team was keyed up for the championship game.
全隊為冠軍賽感到興奮緊張。
The loud music keyed the crowd into a frenzy.
喧鬧的音樂讓群眾情緒激動到近乎瘋狂。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Key"?How to make natural sentences with "Key"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| key + in + (data/information) | 輸入（資料、資訊） | Please key in your password. (請輸入您的密碼。) |
| key + (something) + into + (system/computer) | 將…鍵入（系統、電腦） | She keyed the numbers into the spreadsheet. (她將數字鍵入試算表。) |
| key + on + (target/object) | 專注於，鎖定 | The detective keyed on the suspect's alibi. (偵探專注於嫌疑人的不在場證明。) |
| be keyed + up | 緊張興奮，情緒激動 | The team was keyed up before the championship game. (球隊在冠軍賽前既緊張又興奮。) |
用法說明
How is "Key" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Key"?
key to doing vs key to do
- key to doing 強調「關鍵在於某個持續的過程、活動或狀態」，其中 doing 是動名詞，指涉一個整體概念或習慣。
- key to do 則強調「關鍵是去做某件具體、特定的事情」，其中 to do 是不定詞，常帶有目的性或一次性行動的意味。
- 在美式英語中，兩者有時可互換，但 key to doing 在談論成功要素、方法或秘訣時更為常見且正式。
- 當 key 後接名詞時，固定使用 key to + noun（如：key to success）。
對比例句： EN: Patience is the key to understanding complex subjects. 翻譯: 耐心是理解複雜科目的關鍵。
EN:The first step is the key to begin the project.
翻譯:第一步是啟動這個專案的關鍵。
總結建議
一般情況下，表達「...的關鍵」時，使用 key to doing 較為安全且普遍。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Key" and similar words?How to choose "Key" vs alternatives?
key vs type
「key」指輸入文字或數據，而「type」更常指使用鍵盤打字這個動作本身。
key vs enter
「key」指輸入具體的文字或數字，而「enter」常指將已準備好的數據提交或錄入系統。
key vs input
「key」通常指手動打字輸入，而「input」涵義更廣，可包含任何形式的數據輸入。
口語用法
How is "Key" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Key"?
引述
在口語中，'key' 常用來引述或重複他人剛說過的重要資訊，以確認理解或強調其關鍵性。 EN: So you're saying the key is to start early? 翻譯: 所以你的意思是，關鍵是要早點開始？
EN:The key here, as he just mentioned, is communication.
翻譯:這裡的關鍵，就像他剛才提到的，是溝通。
語氣強調
在對話中，'key' 常被用來加強語氣，強調某個點是絕對必要或最重要的，有時會伴隨手勢或語調變化。 EN: That's the key point! Without that, nothing works. 翻譯: 那才是關鍵點！沒有那個，什麼都行不通。
EN:Listen, the key thing is to stay calm.
翻譯:聽著，最重要的事是保持冷靜。
停頓填充
說話者有時會用 'the key is...' 或 'key thing is...' 作為短暫的停頓，用來組織思緒或引出接下來要說的核心結論。 EN: We tried different approaches, and, you know, the key is... we finally found a solution. 翻譯: 我們試了不同的方法，然後，你知道，關鍵是...我們終於找到了一個解決方案。
EN:It's a complicated issue, but the key thing is... we need more data.
翻譯:這是個複雜的問題，但關鍵是...我們需要更多數據。
正式書寫注意：在正式報告、學術論文或商業文件中，應避免將 'key' 用作 'important' 或 'essential' 的完全替代詞。建議使用更精確的詞彙，如 'crucial', 'fundamental', 'pivotal', 或 'primary'，並減少將其用於停頓填充的語句結構，以保持文章的嚴謹與流暢度。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Key"?What fixed phrases with "Key" should I remember?
key in
key in [data/information]
輸入（資料或資訊）
key up
key [someone] up
使某人興奮或緊張
key on
key on [something]
專注於；以...為關鍵
key to
key [something] to [something]
使...與...同步或協調
key off
key off [of] [something]
以...為出發點或依據
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Key"?Which "Key" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×I keyed the password.
✓I entered the password.
「key」作動詞時，通常指用鍵盤輸入文字或資料，但「輸入密碼」的慣用說法是「enter the password」。使用「key」會聽起來不自然或過於技術性。
×This factor is key for success.
✓This factor is key to success.
形容詞「key」表示「關鍵的」時，後面接介系詞「to」，表示「對...至關重要」，而不是「for」。這是固定的搭配用法。
×He keyed the car angrily.
✓He keyed the car angrily.
這個句子文法正確，但意思可能被誤解。動詞「key」在這裡的意思是「用鑰匙刮傷（車身）」，而不是「用鑰匙打開」。學習者可能不知道這個特定的俚語含義。
×Can you key this document?
✓Can you type up this document? / Can you enter this data?
動詞「key」單獨使用時意思不明確。在辦公情境中，應根據具體任務使用更清晰的動詞，如「type up」（打字整理）或「enter」（輸入資料）。
×The answer was keyed on the paper.
✓The answer was written on the paper.
「key」作動詞指輸入（到電子設備），不適用於在紙上書寫。在紙上寫字應使用「write」。
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Key"?What are tense/participle forms of "Key"?
keys(3rd_singular)keying(present_participle)keyed(past)keyed(past_participle)