General term for a physical lock or padlock. Often used in compounds like 南京錠 (padlock).
Only when written 錠
Counter or noun for tablets/pills, especially in medical contexts. Restricted to the kanji 錠.
I installed a new lock on my bicycle.
Don't forget to lock your bicycle.
This lock can be opened even without a key.
Please take this medicine three times a day, two tablets each time.
The prescribed tablets are taken after meals.
Please take two tablets of this medicine per day.
錠剤 is the full, formal word for a tablet or pill, while 錠 is typically used as its counter or in abbreviated speech (e.g. 一日三錠).
錠前 refers to the whole lock mechanism including the keyhole, while 錠 is the more general, everyday word for a lock or padlock.
錠 refers to a lock, often operated with a key or combination, whereas 留め金 is a simple mechanical clasp without a locking mechanism.
Standard kanji for both lock and pill/tablet senses. High frequency in news.
Rarely used kanji form for lock; more commonly read くさり (chain).
Very rare kanji variant for lock.
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.
handcuffs; manacles · confinement in chains (Edo-era punishment)