Translation guide
The English word "key" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a physical key for locks, a crucial element, a button on a keyboard, a musical key, and an answer key. It also touches on figurative and technical uses.
A metal object used to open a lock.
The standard word for a physical key. Also used for a key card or electronic key.
ドアの鍵を閉めてください。
Please lock the door.
鍵をなくしてしまった。
I lost my key.
Borrowed English word, often used for car keys or in technical contexts. Less common than 鍵 for house keys.
車のキーをどこに置いた？
Where did I put the car key?
Something that is essential for success or understanding.
Used figuratively, just like in English. Often appears in the pattern 〜の鍵を握る (hold the key to...).
成功の鍵は努力だ。
The key to success is hard work.
彼が事件の鍵を握っている。
He holds the key to the case.
Means 'point' or 'key point'. Often used in explanations or presentations.
Means 'secret' or 'key to success'. Used for tips or know-how.
A button you press on a computer keyboard, piano, etc.
Standard for computer keyboard keys and piano keys. Also used in compounds like キーボード (keyboard).
Enterキーを押してください。
Please press the Enter key.
ピアノのキーが壊れた。
A piano key broke.
Sometimes used for piano keys in classical contexts, but キー is more common.
ピアノの鍵盤
piano keyboard
The scale or tonality of a piece of music.
Used for musical keys, e.g., ハ長調 (C major). Often combined with the note name.
この曲は何調ですか？
What key is this song in?
ハ短調の曲
a piece in C minor
Also used, especially in popular music contexts. Often in katakana.
キーが高すぎて歌えない。
The key is too high; I can't sing it.
A set of correct answers for a test or puzzle.
Means 'answer' or 'solution'. Often used in 解答用紙 (answer sheet) or 解答集 (answer book).
問題の解答を確認する。
Check the answer key for the problems.
General word for 'answer'. Can be used for answer keys in casual contexts.
A legend explaining symbols.
Standard term for a legend or key on a map, chart, or graph.
地図の凡例を見てください。
Please look at the map key.
A piece of information used to encrypt or decrypt data.
Used in cryptography, just like in English. Often in compounds like 暗号鍵 (encryption key).
公開鍵で暗号化する。
Encrypt with the public key.
Also used in IT contexts, e.g., セキュリティキー (security key).
Wi-Fiのキーを入力してください。
Please enter the Wi-Fi key.
A field used to identify a record uniquely.
Standard term in database contexts, e.g., 主キー (primary key), 外部キー (foreign key).
このテーブルの主キーはIDです。
The primary key of this table is ID.
鍵 (かぎ) is the native Japanese word and is used for physical keys and figurative 'key' concepts. キー is a loanword used mainly for keyboard keys, musical keys, and technical contexts. For house keys, 鍵 is much more common.
In English, 'key' is used in many compound words (e.g., 'keychain', 'keynote'). Japanese often uses different words: キーホルダー (keychain), 基調講演 (keynote speech). Avoid directly translating 'key' as 鍵 in these cases.
鍵を忘れた。
I forgot my keys.
日本語学習の鍵は練習です。
The key to learning Japanese is practice.
続行するには何かキーを押してください。
Press any key to continue.
この問題のポイントは何ですか？
What is the key point of this problem?
What's the key to a long life?
Please solve it without looking at the answer key.
Model answer or official answer key, often used in educational settings.
模範解答が配られた。
The answer key was distributed.