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.
I forgot my keys and got locked out of my house.
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).
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.
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.
Describing a device or procedure that prevents machinery from being operated, often for maintenance safety.
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.
As a result of the labor dispute, they were forced into a lockout (factory closure).
The safety lock is engaged, so it won't turn on.