鍵
kagi[ka̠ɡʲi]
The Japanese word for a physical key is 鍵 (kagi).
鍵 refers to a physical device designed to open or close a lock.
Meaning: device designed to open and close a lock (noun)
Which one should you use?
鍵 refers to a physical metal key for a lock, whereas the loanword キー is used for abstract concepts, such as a 'key to success' or for a computer keyboard key.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a duplicate or spare key, the compound noun 合鍵 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
kagi
Did you know?
- The kanji for 鍵 contains a radical on the left that originally referred to metal, reflecting the historical material of early locks.
- Japanese has a specific term 鍵っ子 referring to 'latchkey kids' who return to an empty home after school.
- In Japanese, a 'key' used for a map or a legend is called a 凡例, which is an entirely different word from a physical lock key.
Examples in context
- この鍵ある？Do you have the key?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses the 鍵.Tatoeba #12403578 by small_snow, translation #2647712 by CK
- 合鍵があるよ。I have the master key.This sentence is useful for mentioning that you have an 合鍵.Tatoeba #10451358 by small_snow, translation #1598993 by marcelostockle
- 鍵をなくした。I have lost my key.This sentence is useful for stating that you have lost your 鍵.Tatoeba #10588147 by Sonata, translation #257266 by CK
- 「コンピュータのキーを押す」To press the keys on a computer
- 「玄関の鍵を探しています」I am looking for the key to the front door.
- 「そのパスワードがカギだよ」That password is the key.
- 「このキーは重要なデータを保護しています」This key protects important data.
- 169 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are standing in front of their apartment door.
- 結衣 Yui鍵はどこに置いた？Kagi wa doko ni oita?Where did you put the key?
- 陽太 Yota鞄の中に鍵があるよ。Kaban no naka ni kagi ga aru yo.The key is inside the bag.
- 結衣 Yuiあ、本当だ。あった。A, hontou da. Atta.Ah, you're right. Found it.
- 陽太 Yotaよかった。開けよう。Yokatta. Akeyou.That's a relief. Let's open it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “key” translations and entries 鍵, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
