鍵
[ka̠ɡʲi]
The English phrase 'keys' is translated into Japanese as 鍵.
鍵 is used to refer to physical metal tools used to lock or unlock doors or containers. It is also used metaphorically to refer to a 'key to success' or similar concepts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 鍵 does not change its form to indicate plurality. Depending on the context, it can mean either 'key' or 'keys'.
Did you know?
- The word for a keyboard, such as on a piano or computer, uses a different concept for 'key' called 鍵盤 (key-board/plate).
- The character 鍵 contains the radical for 'metal', which is a common visual cue in Japanese to identify objects made of metal.
- In many digital contexts, the English word 'key' is simply transliterated into katakana as キー.
Examples in context
- 鍵がないと。I need my keys.This sentence is useful for expressing that you need your keys.Tatoeba #3551981 by arnab, translation #2387508 by CK
- 私の鍵知らない？Do you know where my keys are?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows the location of your keys.Tatoeba #3606373 by tommy_san, translation #2542688 by CK
- 鍵は持ってるよ。I've got the keys.This sentence is useful for stating that you have the keys.Tatoeba #11277682 by small_snow, translation #2359703 by CK
- 私は鍵を持っています。I have the keys.
- お車の鍵をお忘れなく。Please do not forget your car keys.
- 鍵を持ってきた？Did you bring the keys?
- あのアパートの鍵忘れちゃった。I forgot the keys to that apartment.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are getting ready to leave the house.
- 美咲 Misaki健太、鍵はどこにある？Kenta, kagi wa doko ni aru?Kenta, where are the keys?
- 健太 Kentaテーブルの上に置いてあるよ。Tēburu no ue ni oite aru yo.They are on the table.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、あった！ありがとう。A, atta! Arigatō.Oh, I found them! Thanks.
- 健太 Kentaいいえ。ゆっくり行こう。Iie. Yukkuri ikō.You're welcome. Let's go slowly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 鍵, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
