合言葉(あいことば)

あいことば
noun
password; watchword; motto; rallying cry
communication
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(あいことば)は「山(やま)」だ。
The password is 'yama.'
門番(もんばん)に合言葉(あいことば)を告(つ)げた。
I told the gatekeeper the password.
合言葉(あいことば)を知(し)らない者(もの)は入(はい)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(あんぜんだいいち)」が合言葉(あいことば)だ。
'Safety first' is our motto.
チームの合言葉(あいことば)は「全力(ぜんりょく)」だ。
The team's rallying cry is 'give it your all.'
「変革(へんかく)」を合言葉(あいことば)に新(あたら)しい取(と)り組(く)みが始(はじ)まった。
A new initiative was launched under the rallying cry of 'reform.'

Common collocations

Usage

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.

Related Words

Related: キャッチフレーズ (catchphrase)
general
Added 2026.2.19 19:53 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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