1.
password, watchword
A secret word or phrase used to identify allies or gain entry. Historically used in military and security contexts.
合言葉は「山」だ。
The password is 'yama.'
門番に合言葉を告げた。
I told the gatekeeper the password.
合言葉を知らない者は入れない。
Those who don't know the password cannot enter.
2.
motto, slogan, rallying cry
A phrase adopted as the guiding principle or shared goal of a group or movement.
「安全第一」が合言葉だ。
'Safety first' is our motto.
チームの合言葉は「全力」だ。
The team's rallying cry is 'give it your all.'
「変革」を合言葉に新しい取り組みが始まった。
A new initiative was launched under the rallying cry of 'reform.'
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 合言葉を決める (set a password/motto)
- 合言葉を告げる (tell the password)
- 〜を合言葉に (with ~ as a motto/rallying cry)
USAGE NOTES:
The sense 1 usage (password) evokes historical or fantasy settings — guards at castle gates, secret societies, etc. For modern digital passwords, パスワード is the standard term. The sense 2 usage (motto/rallying cry) is common in modern Japanese, especially in business, sports, and community contexts.