noun
General term for a physical lock or padlock. Often used in compounds like 南京錠 (padlock).
自転車に錠をかけるのを忘れないで。
Don't forget to lock your bicycle.
この錠は鍵がなくても開けられる。
This lock can be opened even without a key.
noun, counter
Only when written 錠
Counter or noun for tablets/pills, especially in medical contexts. Restricted to the kanji 錠.
この薬は1日3回、1回に2錠ずつ飲んでください。
Please take this medicine three times a day, two tablets each time.
処方された錠剤は食後に服用します。
The prescribed tablets are taken after meals.
The kanji 錠 originally meant 'lock' and was later extended to mean 'tablet' or 'pill' due to the shape of a lock resembling a small, solid object. The reading じょう is the on'yomi.