Translation guide
A detachable lock with a hinged or sliding shackle, used to secure gates, lockers, or chains.
南京錠
padlock
The physical object: a portable lock with a shackle.
The standard word for 'padlock' in Japanese. Literally 'Nanjing lock', but used for any padlock.
ロッカーに南京錠をかけた。
I put a padlock on the locker.
この南京錠は鍵がなくても閉められます。
This padlock can be locked without a key.
Loanword from English. Used in technical or product contexts, but less common in everyday speech.
このパッドロックは防水仕様です。
This padlock is waterproof.
The act of securing something with a padlock.
The most natural way to say 'to padlock' something. Literally 'to apply a padlock'.
門に南京錠をかけてください。
Please padlock the gate.
Uses the English loanword 'lock'. Slightly more casual or technical.
自転車を南京錠でロックした。
I locked my bike with a padlock.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers might simply say 鍵 (かぎ) to refer to a padlock, especially if the context is clear. However, 鍵 primarily means 'key' or 'lock' in general, so 南京錠 is more precise.