How to say "key" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe loanword for the concrete object that opens a lock — a door, locker, or car key. For this everyday physical sense it overlaps with 鍵, the native word.
- 鍵かぎnounThe native word for a physical key to a lock — a door, car, or safe. In this concrete sense it is largely interchangeable with the loanword キー.
- 調子ちょうしnounIn music this word covers tune, tone, pitch, and key — whether an instrument is in tune, or how high or low a melody or voice lies.
- 手がかりてがかりnounA figurative key in the sense of a clue or lead — something that helps you solve a mystery, find a missing person, or crack a code. It never means a physical key.
- 秘訣ひけつnounThe figurative key in phrases like 'the key to success' — a secret method, trick, or knack for getting something right. It suggests know-how that can be taught or passed on.
For a physical key use 「キー」 or 鍵; for the musical sense use 調子; for a key that is a clue use 「手がかり」; and for the key to success use 秘訣.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- キーkey (for a lock)
- 鍵かぎkey
- 調子ちょうしtune
- 手がかりてがかりclue
- 秘訣ひけつsecret (method, trick, etc.)
- 基幹きかんmainstay
- 重要じゅうようimportant
- 鍵けんkey (on a piano, organ, etc.)
- 調ちょうkey
- キー入力キーにゅうりょくkey (input)
- 管鑰かんやくkey
- じょっぴんkey
- 要諦ようてい(most) important point
- あんちょこstudy guide (to supplement a textbook)
- 虎巻とらかんcrib notes
- 肝心要かんじんかなめcrucial
- 翼果よっかsamara
- 妙諦みょうていamazing truth
- しゃちwooden dowel
- 枢要すうよう(most) important
- ねじkey (of a clock, watch, etc.)
- 肝きもcrux
- 音程おんていpitch
- 決め手きめてdecisive factor
- 虎の巻とらのまきstudy guide (to supplement a textbook)
- 親おやkey
- Ｋケーkey (color)
See also
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