Japanese word

鍵

Pronunciation

Romajikagi

Meaning

  • nounkey

Example

鍵を持っています。kagi o mo tte i ma su

I have a key.

Illustration for 鍵 (key)

More examples

出かける前に、鍵をかけてください。de ka ke ru mae ni kagi o ka ke te ku da sa i

Please lock the door before you leave.

Core concept

Refers to an object that gives access by fitting a lock or secures something by preventing it from opening.

Common phrases

  • 鍵をかけるkagi o ka ke ru

    lock the door

  • 鍵を開けるkagi o a ke ru

    unlock the door

  • 鍵をなくすkagi o na ku su

    lose a key

  • 鍵を探すkagi o saga su

    look for a key

Similar words

キーkī: An object inserted into a lock to open it, often for a machine or device.

Definition in Japanese

錠に差し込んで戸や箱などを開ける道具、または戸や箱などを開かないようにする錠。jō ni sa shi ko n de to ya bako na do o a ke ru dō gu ma ta wa to ya bako na do o hira ka na i yō ni su ru jō

Word origin

The native Japanese noun かぎ (kagi) began as a word for a hooked fastening tool, with the meaning later extending to both a key and a lock; 鍵 (kagi) is the kanji spelling.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 鍵 (kagi) can mean either the key itself or the locking device, so English context determines whether it means "key" or "lock".

Other meanings

  • locknoun

Word lists with this word