Japanese · Daily Life
鍵
kagi
Key / Lock
Beginnernoun
Definition
A device for opening a lock, also referring to the lock itself. Japanese apartment life relies heavily on key management, and smart locks are increasingly popular.
Example
家の鍵を忘れてしまいました。
I forgot the house key.
Etymology
'鍵' (kagi) stems from Classical Chinese and has been retained in its current form to denote a physical lock and key mechanism since historical times.
How & Where It’s Used
'鍵' (kagi) is commonly used in informal and formal settings in both spoken and written forms to refer to keys and the concept of security.