I'm learning
русский
ключ — meaning in English: key
klyuch · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
clue
ключ
klyuch
пистолет
pistolet
Вселенная
Vselennaya
край
kray
отдел
otdel
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Russian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word 'ключ' when discussing objects that unlock doors, safes, or vehicles. You might hear it during a casual conversation about misplaced keys or while planning a trip where someone needs to borrow a key to access an apartment.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 'ключ' is 'замок' (zamok), which means 'lock.' While 'ключ' refers to the object that unlocks, 'замок' refers to the mechanism being unlocked. You would use 'ключ' when talking about the key itself and 'замок' when discussing the security system.
Culture
'Ключ' has roots in Old Slavic, where it was associated with the concept of unlocking or revealing something. Interestingly, in Russian folklore, keys symbolize access to secrets or hidden knowledge, making the word rich with cultural significance beyond its everyday use.
FAQ
