鍵

• Reading: かぎ
• Romaji: kagi
• Kanji breakdown: 鍵 (kagi/ken) — key (金 radical indicates metal)
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɡi/

Meaning

Key. Used for locking and unlocking doors, drawers, and other secured items.

Also used in the phrase 鍵をかける (kagi wo kakeru, to lock) and 鍵を開ける (kagi wo akeru, to unlock). In modern Japan, electronic keys (オートロック) are becoming common in apartment buildings, but traditional keys remain widely used.

Examples

1. 鍵をどこに置きましたか。 Where did you put the key?
2. 出かける前に鍵をかけてください。 Please lock the door before going out.
3. この鍵は部屋のです。 This key is for the room.

Usage Guide

Context: home, daily life, security

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 鍵 contains the metal radical 金 (kane), reflecting that keys were traditionally made of metal.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal