Dictionary
English - Japanese

Key

ki
Very common
~ 1400
~ 1400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

鍵 (かぎ), 重要なもの (じゅうようなもの), 秘訣 (ひけつ), 鍵 (かぎ) (musical term), キー (きー) (computing term)

Key meanings in Japanese

鍵 (かぎ)

Example:
I lost my house key.
家の鍵を失くしました。
Can you give me the key to the car?
車の鍵を貸してくれませんか?
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in everyday situations related to securing or accessing places.
Note: The word '鍵' (かぎ) is commonly used to refer to physical keys, such as those for doors, cars, or locks.

重要なもの (じゅうようなもの)

Example:
This report is the key to our success.
この報告書が私たちの成功の重要なものです。
Education is a key to a better future.
教育はより良い未来への重要な要素です。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in discussions or writings to signify something crucial or essential.
Note: In this context, 'key' is often used metaphorically to indicate that something is vital or critical for achieving a goal.

秘訣 (ひけつ)

Example:
The key to happiness is gratitude.
幸せの秘訣は感謝です。
What is the key to your success?
あなたの成功の秘訣は何ですか?
Usage: informalContext: Used in conversations about personal development or philosophical discussions.
Note: '秘訣' refers to a secret or method that leads to achieving something desirable.

鍵 (かぎ) (musical term)

Example:
The song is in the key of C major.
その曲はハ長調の鍵で演奏されます。
Can you play this piece in a different key?
この曲を別の鍵で演奏できますか?
Usage: formalContext: Used in music theory and discussions about musical compositions.
Note: In music, '鍵' refers to the tonal center that defines the scale upon which a piece is based.

キー (きー) (computing term)

Example:
Press the enter key to continue.
続けるにはエンターキーを押してください。
You need to enter your key to access the software.
ソフトウェアにアクセスするにはキーを入力する必要があります。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in technology and computing environments.
Note: In computing, 'キー' refers to keys on a keyboard, as well as activation keys for software.

Key's synonyms

crucial

Crucial emphasizes the importance or necessity of something, similar to how a key is essential for unlocking or starting something.
Example: Effective communication is crucial in building strong relationships.
Note: Crucial implies a higher level of significance or importance compared to key.

essential

Essential means absolutely necessary or extremely important, much like a key is necessary for opening a lock.
Example: Good time management is essential for productivity.
Note: Essential is a broader term that can encompass a wider range of importance compared to key.

vital

Vital refers to something that is absolutely necessary or essential for life or success, similar to how a key is necessary for unlocking a door.
Example: Regular exercise is vital for maintaining good health.
Note: Vital often conveys a sense of critical importance or necessity, similar to key.

Key expressions, common phrases

Key to success

This phrase refers to the essential factor or element necessary for achieving success.
Example: Hard work is often seen as the key to success in life.
Note: The phrase 'key to success' emphasizes the critical aspect needed for achieving success, rather than just a physical key.

On key

Being on key means performing accurately in terms of pitch or timing, especially in music.
Example: The singer delivered a flawless performance, hitting every note on key.
Note: In this context, 'key' refers to being in tune or in harmony, not a physical key.

Under lock and key

To keep something securely locked away, typically to protect it from theft or unauthorized access.
Example: The valuable documents were kept under lock and key in the safe.
Note: This idiom implies a high level of security or protection, not just a physical key.

Key player

Refers to a person who plays a crucial or essential role in a particular situation or activity.
Example: She is a key player in the company's marketing strategy.
Note: In this context, 'key' highlights the importance or significance of the individual, not a literal key.

Turn the key

To use a key to start a vehicle or machine by turning it in a lock or ignition.
Example: He turned the key in the ignition, and the car started smoothly.
Note: This phrase directly involves using a physical key to activate or start something.

Key in on

To focus or concentrate on a specific detail or aspect, especially in order to understand or solve a problem.
Example: The detective decided to key in on the suspect's alibi for further investigation.
Note: In this case, 'key' denotes focusing on a particular point or detail, not a literal key.

Skeleton key

A master key that can open various locks, typically associated with older buildings or structures.
Example: The old house had a skeleton key that could open every door in the building.
Note: A 'skeleton key' is a specific type of key that can open multiple locks, unlike regular keys designed for specific locks.

Key everyday (slang) expressions

Lose the keys

This phrase means to misplace or not be able to find a set of keys.
Example: I always lose the keys to my car!
Note: The slang term refers specifically to misplacing keys, whereas 'keys' in the original sense usually means the physical object used to open locks.

The key to it all

This expression means the essential factor or solution to a successful outcome or understanding.
Example: Time management is the key to it all when it comes to meeting deadlines.
Note: While 'key' in the original sense often refers to a tool for opening locks, this slang term emphasizes the crucial aspect or solution for a particular situation.

In the key of

This phrase refers to the musical key in which a piece of music is written or performed.
Example: She loves to sing in the key of G major.
Note: The slang term 'in the key of' specifically relates to musical notation, while 'key' in the original sense pertains to an object used to operate a lock.

Keyed up

This term means to feel excited, anxious, or nervous about something.
Example: I'm feeling really keyed up about the upcoming exam.
Note: The slang term implies heightened emotions, typically excitement or nervousness, while 'key' in the original sense denotes an object used to open a lock.

Keyed into

To be aware of or knowledgeable about a particular subject or trend.
Example: He is keyed into all the latest trends in technology.
Note: The slang term suggests being well-informed or connected to a specific topic, unlike 'key' in the original sense, which refers to a tool for unlocking.

Keyed in

To be ready, alert, or paying attention to something that is about to happen.
Example: Make sure you're keyed in when the meeting starts.
Note: This slang term conveys being prepared or attentive, especially before an event, in contrast to the physical object 'key' used to open locks.

Key takeaway

The most important or significant point to remember or learn from a discussion or presentation.
Example: The key takeaway from the seminar was the importance of communication.
Note: While 'key' in its original sense refers to a tool to unlock something, this slang term emphasizes the crucial or main point to remember or understand.

Key - Examples

The key to success is hard work.
It is important to focus on key issues.
This is a key component of the project.

Key grammar

Key - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: key
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): keys
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): key
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): keyed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): keying
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): keys
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): key
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): key
Syllables, Separation and Stress
key Contains 1 syllables: key
Phonetic transcription: ˈkē
key , ˈkē (The red syllable is stressed)

Key - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
key: ~ 1400 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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