錠前

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 錠前 is read as じょうまえ and means “padlock” and “lock”.
• Basic usage: It refers to a large lock on a storehouse door and a broken lock dismantled by a craftsman.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 錠前が付いている / 錠前を分解する
  • Use 錠前が付いている for an installed lock and 錠前を分解する when it is the object being taken apart.