Japanese word of the day: 鍵 (Kagi)

What does 鍵 (Kagi) mean?

鍵 (Kagi) (noun) – Key; a small object used to lock and unlock doors, lockers, safes, and more. In Japanese, 鍵 is also used in a broader sense to mean “the key” to a problem or solution—just like in English.

Kanji details for 鍵

Character: 鍵 (key)
Radical: 金 (metal)

Example sentences with 鍵 (Kagi)

• 家の鍵を忘れました。
  (Ie no kagi o wasuremashita.)
  🔑 I forgot my house key.

• この鍵でドアを開けてください。
  (Kono kagi de doa o akete kudasai.)
  🚪 Please open the door with this key.

• 鍵をかけてください。
  (Kagi o kakete kudasai.)
  🔒 Please lock (with the key).

鍵 (Kagi) in context

鍵 is a practical word you’ll use in daily life for anything that locks—doors, lockers, bikes, or safes. In Japan, it’s common to say “鍵をかける” (kagi o kakeru) for “to lock” and “鍵を開ける” (kagi o akeru) for “to unlock.” You’ll also hear 鍵 used figuratively, like “成功の鍵” (seikō no kagi, the key to success).

A quick tip: Don’t confuse 鍵 (kagi, key) with 钥匙 (yaoshi, key in Chinese) or パスワード (pasuwādo, password). 鍵 is always for physical or metaphorical keys in Japanese.

Whether you’re locking up at night, searching for your lost keys, or talking about the “key” to learning Japanese, 鍵 is an essential word for both daily life and deeper conversations.