Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Key" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "key", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
かぎ
かぎ (kagi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
鍵
かぎ (kagi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "key" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かぎ and 鍵.
In Japanese, かぎ (かぎ (kagi)) is typically associated with "key" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An object used for locking and unlocking doors, cars, etc. The verb for locking is '鍵をかける'.
On the other hand, 鍵 (かぎ (kagi)) maps to "key; lock" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents ドアや引き出しなどを開け閉めするために使う物です。動詞は「鍵をかける. A literal translation of "key" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かぎ"
車の鍵はどこですか。
Where is the car key?
Bilingual Context for "鍵"
家を出るときは、必ず鍵をかけてください。
Please be sure to lock the door when you leave the house.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "車の鍵はどこですか。" (Meaning: "Where is the car key?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かぎ" fits here because it means "key" in the context of: "Where is the car key?". "鍵" represents "key; lock".