錠前(じょうまえ)

The physical locking mechanism itself, as distinguished from the key. An older, more specific word than the broader 鍵(かぎ), which in everyday speech refers to both the lock and the key. 錠前(じょうまえ) is composed of 錠(じょう) (lock, bolt) and 前(まえ), where 前(まえ) indicates the front-facing part of the mechanism.

Common collocations

• 錠前(じょうまえ)を掛(か)ける: to fasten a lock
• 錠前(じょうまえ)を外(はず)す: to remove a lock
• 錠前(じょうまえ)師(し): locksmith
• 錠前(じょうまえ)を取(と)り替(か)える: to replace a lock

Similar words

• 鍵(かぎ): key; lock — in everyday use covers both the key and lock
• 南京錠(なんきんじょう): padlock — a portable detachable lock
• 施錠(せじょう): locking — the act of locking up