ケイ
kei[ke̞i]
ケイ (kei) is a Japanese given name.
ケイ is used as a person's given name. In casual settings, the name is often followed by the honorific -chan to denote closeness or affection, especially when referring to a friend or a child, as in ケイちゃん (Kei-chan).
Which one should you use?
The term 系 (けい) is used when referring to a system, series or field of study.
How do you pronounce it?
kei
Did you know?
- In modern slang, the word 系 (kei) is used as a suffix to categorize styles of people or fashion, such as ヤンキー系 (yankee-kei) for those imitating delinquent youth.
- While ケイ can be a name, the sound 'kei' can be written with many different kanji, such as 慶 meaning 'celebration' or 圭 meaning 'gemstone'.
- The name ケイ is gender-neutral and is used for both boys and girls in Japan.
Examples in context
- 友達のケイちゃんは、私が困っているときにはいつもすっと現れて私を助けてくれた。Whenever I'm in trouble, my friend Kei always appears out of nowhere to help.This sentence shows how to use the name ケイ when talking about a friend.Tatoeba #1153234 by bunbuku, translation #8292552 by phenomenol
- この科学 系 の大学は優れた教育を提供しています。This university in the field of science offers excellent education.
- ケイさんは、とても優しい人です。Kei-san wa, totemo yasashii hito desu.Kei is a very kind person.
- あそこにいるのは、ケイ君ですか？Asoko ni iru no wa, Kei-kun desu ka?Is the person over there Kei?
Example conversation
A brother and sister are talking about their new classmate.
- 陽太 Yota新しいクラスメイトのケイさんは、元気な人？Atarashii kurasumeito no Kei-san wa, genki na hito?Is the new classmate, Kei, an energetic person?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ケイさんはいつも明るいよ。Un, Kei-san wa itsumo akarui yo.Yeah, Kei is always cheerful.
- 陽太 Yotaそれはよかったね。Sore wa yokatta ne.That's good to hear.
- 陽葵 Himari明日、陽太兄ちゃんに紹介するね。Ashita, Youta-niichan ni shoukai suru ne.I'll introduce her to you, big brother Youta, tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ケイ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
