キー — meaning in English: Key

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Guess the translation for key

特派員

tokuhain

世代

sedai

窓

mado

キー

kī

カップ

kappu

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word キー (kī) in various everyday situations, such as talking about the keys to their home, car, or office. For instance, when someone forgets their keys, they might say, '私のキーを忘れた' (I forgot my key). It's also common in contexts like discussing keyboard keys when talking about computers.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 鍵 (kagi), which also means 'key' but is typically used for physical keys, like those for doors or locks. In contrast, キー (kī) can refer to both physical and metaphorical keys, such as digital keys or solutions to problems.

Culture

The word キー derives from the English word 'key', reflecting Japan's historical interaction with Western culture, especially during the Meiji Restoration. Interestingly, in Japanese pop culture, the term is often used metaphorically, such as 'success is the key' (成功のキー), symbolizing its importance in various aspects of life.

FAQ

Q.What does the Japanese word キー mean?

キー (kī) means 'key' in English. It can refer to physical keys, like those for doors, or metaphorical keys in various contexts, such as technology.

Q.How do you use キー in a sentence?

You can use キー in sentences like 'このキーは私の車のキーです' (This key is my car key) or '成功のキーは努力です' (The key to success is effort).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word キー?

One common mistake is confusing キー (kī) with 鍵 (kagi). While both mean 'key', remember that キー is often used for digital keys or metaphorical meanings, while 鍵 is for physical keys.

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