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Kotomora

鍵

key

StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 5,000Strokes17

Readings

On'yomi

  • ケン

Kun'yomi

  • かぎ

Meaning

鍵 centers on a physical key used to lock or unlock something. It can also refer to a crucial element that provides access or understanding, like a key to a puzzle.

Most common words using 鍵

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Etymology

鍵 combines 金 (metal) with 建, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of setting up or establishing, suggesting a metal device that secures or establishes closure.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side is metal 金, and the right side 建 looks like a person setting up a lock. Picture a metal key being inserted to set the lock in place.

Reading mnemonic

For ケン, imagine a key shaped like the letter 'K' that you can use to open a can: K-can -> ケン. The metal key unlocks the can.