lock · tablet

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is じょう, and no kun reading is listed. It has 16 strokes. It appears in words for locks and tablets or pills.
• Basic usage: 錠前 is read じょうまえ, and 錠剤 is read じょうざい.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 錠前 / 錠剤
  • 錠前 means padlock or lock and is read じょうまえ. It refers to a lock used to secure a door or storehouse.
  • 古い蔵の扉には大きな錠前が付いている。 means “A large padlock is attached to the door of the old storehouse.”
  • 錠剤 means tablet or pill and is read じょうざい. It refers to a medicine tablet or pill.
  • 展示用の箱には白い錠剤の模型が並んでいた。 means “Models of white tablets were lined up in the display box.”