Keys vs Password

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Keys

Top 1,000 (very common)

Password

Top 1,000 (very common) B2 noun

	Keys	Password
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //kiːz// 🇺🇸 //kiːz//	🇬🇧 /["/ˈpɑːswɜːd/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈpæswɜːrd/"]/
Meaning	Metal objects used to open locks.	A secret word or phrase used to access something.
Example	I lost my keys and couldn't get into my house.	Enter a username and password to get into the system.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level	-	B2
Part of speech		noun
Collocations	set of keys, car keys, house keys, keys to success, keys on a keychain	correct, valid, user, know, remember, choose, correct, valid, user, know, remember, choose
Antonyms	-	open, access
Common mistakes	Confusing 'key' (singular) with 'keys' (plural)., Using 'key' to refer to something that is not a physical object., Mixing up 'key' with 'clue' in problem-solving contexts.	Confusing with 'username' or 'login', Not capitalizing special characters as needed, Using easily guessable passwords like '123456'
Usage notes	Use 'keys' to refer to objects for unlocking. Avoid using it in abstract contexts unrelated to physical locks.	Used in contexts requiring security, like online accounts. Avoid using informal settings or casual conversation.

Frequently asked questions: Keys vs Password

What's the difference between Keys and Password?

Keys: Metal objects used to open locks. Password: A secret word or phrase used to access something.

Can you show an example of each?

Keys: I lost my keys and couldn't get into my house. Password: Enter a username and password to get into the system.

Can I use Keys and Password interchangeably?

Not always. Keys and Password are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.