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鍵
On'yomi
ケン
KEN
Kun'yomi
かぎ
kagi
key
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes17
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of metal and build. Metal fixture.
Symbolism
Key, key, solution. Represents opener.
Component Breakdown
鍵=
金建
metal + 建
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
鍵を握る
かぎをにぎる
To hold the key; To be in a crucial position
Anime & Manga
平野と鍵浦
Hirano and Kagiura
A well-known work with 鍵 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鍵 mean in Japanese?
鍵 means key.
How do you read 鍵?
On'yomi: ケン (KEN). Kun'yomi: かぎ (kagi).
How many strokes does 鍵 have?
鍵 has 17 strokes. Its radical is 金 (gold).
Is 鍵 a good kanji for a tattoo?
鍵 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means key. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:key