Translation guide
The English word 'password' is widely used in Japanese, but there are also native terms. This guide covers how to express 'password' in digital, security, and figurative contexts.
A secret word or string used to access a computer, account, or device.
The most common and natural way to say 'password' in Japanese for digital contexts. It's a loanword from English.
パスワードを入力してください。
Please enter your password.
パスワードを忘れました。
I forgot my password.
Literally 'identification number', often used for PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) or numeric passwords, like for ATMs or door locks.
ATMの暗証番号を入力する。
Enter your ATM PIN.
Literally 'matching word', this is an older term for a password or watchword used for identification, like in spy stories or secret clubs. Not used for digital passwords.
合言葉を言わないと入れない。
You can't enter unless you say the password.
A password used for physical access, security systems, or authentication beyond computers.
Still the default for most security contexts, including Wi-Fi, door codes, etc.
Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えてください。
Please tell me the Wi-Fi password.
Something that grants access or admission in a non-literal sense.
合言葉 (あいことば) sounds old-fashioned and is not used for computer or online passwords. Use パスワード instead.
Used when the password is purely numeric, such as a door keypad code.
玄関の暗証番号を変えた。
I changed the front door code.
私たちの合言葉は「安全第一」です。
Our motto is 'safety first'.