合い言葉

• Reading: あいことば
• Romaji: aikotoba
• Kanji breakdown: 合 (gou/a) — fit, match; 言 (gen/ko) — say, word; 葉 (you/ha) — leaf, word
• Pronunciation: /ai.ko̞.to̞.ba/

Meaning

Password; watchword; shared motto or slogan. A word or phrase used for mutual identification or to signal shared purpose.

A noun used for secret passwords or identification phrases, as well as rallying slogans that unify a group. In modern usage it can refer to a catchphrase or shared motto (e.g., a team slogan). The 合い component means 'mutual/fitting' and 言葉 means 'words/language.' Common in both security contexts and group identity contexts.

Examples

1. 部隊は夜間の合い言葉を事前に取り決めておいた。 The unit arranged the night watchword in advance.
2. このグループの合い言葉は一致団結という言葉だ。 This group's shared motto is the phrase 'unity and solidarity.
3. 子どもたちは秘密基地への合い言葉を仲間内だけで共有していた。 The children shared the secret base's password only among themselves.

Usage Guide

Context: security, groups, teamwork, military

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 合い (fit, match, mutual) + 言葉 (word, language). Historically used as military challenge-and-response passwords where both parties exchange matching phrases to verify identity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General