Translation guide
A piece of information used to encrypt or decrypt data. In Japanese, the term is usually expressed as 暗号鍵 or 暗号キー, with 鍵 being the most common. The concept is straightforward, but learners should be aware of the distinction between symmetric and asymmetric keys, and the use of 公開鍵 for public key.
The most common, general way to refer to an encryption key in technical and everyday contexts.
The standard term for 'encryption key'. Used in most technical documents and conversations.
暗号鍵を安全に保管してください。
Please store the encryption key securely.
A common alternative using the loanword キー. Slightly more casual or modern, but still widely accepted.
この暗号キーは何ビットですか？
How many bits is this encryption key?
Literally 'key'. In context, it can mean encryption key, especially when the topic is clear. Often used in compound terms like 公開鍵.
鍵の長さは128ビットです。
The key length is 128 bits.
Specifically the public key in a public-key cryptography system.
The standard term for 'public key'. Used in all technical contexts.
公開鍵でデータを暗号化します。
Encrypt the data with the public key.
The private key kept secret in public-key cryptography.
The standard term for 'private key'. Do not confuse with 暗号鍵, which is a general term.
秘密鍵は絶対に他人に渡さないでください。
Never give your private key to anyone else.
A single key used for both encryption and decryption in symmetric encryption.
The standard term for 'symmetric key' or 'shared key'.
共通鍵暗号方式では、同じ鍵で暗号化と復号を行います。
In symmetric-key cryptography, the same key is used for encryption and decryption.
Both mean 'encryption key'. 暗号鍵 is slightly more formal and traditional, while 暗号キー is a modern loanword blend. In technical writing, 暗号鍵 is preferred, but 暗号キー is common in spoken IT contexts.
In context, 鍵 (かぎ) can mean 'encryption key', but to avoid ambiguity with a physical key, use 暗号鍵 or the full term when first introduced.