Translation guide
The English word "lockout" can refer to several distinct concepts: being locked out of a place or system, an employer preventing workers from entering during a labor dispute, or a safety mechanism that prevents operation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that someone is unable to enter a building, room, or digital account because they lack a key, password, or access.
This is the most common and natural way to say 'to be locked out' of a physical space. It implies being shut out by someone or by circumstances.
鍵を忘れて家を閉め出された。
I forgot my keys and got locked out of my house.
彼は部屋から閉め出された。
He was locked out of the room.
A loanword from English, commonly used for digital lockouts (e.g., being locked out of an account after too many failed login attempts).
パスワードを間違えすぎて、アカウントがロックアウトされた。
I entered the wrong password too many times and got locked out of my account.
A more colloquial and emphatic way to say 'to be locked out,' often implying a frustrating or deliberate exclusion.
会議に遅れて締め出しを食らった。
I was late to the meeting and got locked out.
Referring to a situation where an employer prevents workers from entering the workplace during a strike or labor conflict.
The standard term for a labor lockout, directly borrowed from English and widely understood in news and business contexts.
会社はストライキに対抗してロックアウトを実施した。
The company implemented a lockout in response to the strike.
Describing a device or procedure that prevents machinery from being operated, often for maintenance safety.
The technical term for a safety lockout mechanism, combining the loanword with 'mechanism'.
この機械には安全のためのロックアウト機構が付いている。
This machine is equipped with a safety lockout mechanism.
A more general term for a safety lock, often used in consumer products or simpler devices.
安全ロックがかかっているので、電源が入らない。
The safety lock is engaged, so it won't turn on.
While ロックアウト is used for digital and labor contexts, using it for being locked out of your house sounds unnatural. Use 閉め出される instead.
Literally 'factory closure,' this can be used when the lockout involves shutting down a workplace entirely, though it's broader than just a labor lockout.
労働争議の結果、工場閉鎖に追い込まれた。
As a result of the labor dispute, they were forced into a lockout (factory closure).