Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

What is the Kanji for 'Key'? | 鍵

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Key', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Key' is 鍵.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Key

    Reading

    kunyomiかぎ

    kagi

    onyomiけん

    ken

    Parts

    Gold (金)Build

    Example Word

    鍵: key. The Japanese noun '鍵 (かぎ)' means 'key'. It refers to a physical object used to lock or unlock something, such as a door, a safe, or a car. This word is commonly used in everyday situations. For example: I lost my key「鍵をなくしました」(かぎをなくしました). Do you have the key to this door?「このドアの鍵を持っていますか?」(このドアのかぎをもっていますか?). Additionally, '鍵' can also metaphorically refer to something essential or crucial, as in 'the key to success' (成功の鍵, せいこうのかぎ).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    17

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1454

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    radical

    Meaning

    Gold

    Radical Form Of

    kanji

    Meaning

    Build

Words Using

This kanji is used in 1 word:

    word

    Meaning

    Key

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 22 kanji contain the part 釒 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Silver

    kanji

    Meaning

    Needle

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ore, Mineral

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mirror

    kanji

    Meaning

    Copper

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fish, Fishing

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sharp

    kanji

    Meaning

    Steel

    kanji

    Meaning

    Chain

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lead

    kanji

    Meaning

    Confused, Mixed up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gun

    kanji

    Meaning

    Forge, Train

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lock, Tablet

    kanji

    Meaning

    Consider, Model

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bell

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bowl

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cast, Casting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Money, Coin

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brocade

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sickle, Scythe

    kanji

    Meaning

    To tie, Confinement

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 鍵 mean?

鍵 means 'Key'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Senior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.