オートロック（オートロック、oーtoroッku）
- auto-lock

The word オートロック (ōtorokku) refers to an "automatic lock" system, primarily found in apartment buildings, condominiums, and sometimes office buildings in Japan. ⚫︎ It describes a door that locks automatically after someone enters or exits. ⚫︎ This system is designed to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access to the building. ⚫︎ Usually, residents use a keycard or press a buzzer to unlock the door for themselves or their guests. ⚫︎ The door closes and オートロックs automatically after someone passes through.

⚫︎ このマンションはオートロック付きです。 Translation: This apartment building has an automatic lock. ⚫︎ オートロックのドアは閉まりました。 Translation: The automatic lock door closed. ⚫︎ セキュリティのため、オートロックをしっかり確認してください。 Translation: Please make sure to check the automatic lock for security.

You use オートロック in conversations when discussing buildings that have automatic locking systems. ⚫︎ It is used to describe a feature of a building. ⚫︎ You might use it when talking about apartment hunting, discussing building security, or explaining how to enter a specific building. ⚫︎ For instance, you could say このアパートはオートロックなので安心です。 ("This apartment has an automatic lock, so it's safe.")

オートロック is written in katakana, as it is a loanword from English. ⚫︎ There are no kanji for this word. ⚫︎ The term is always written as オートロック in katakana. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana.

While there are no direct synonyms in Japanese that specifically mean "automatic lock," you could use phrases related to security. ⚫︎ 防犯（ぼうはん） (bōhan) which means "crime prevention" or "security." ⚫︎ セキュリティ (sekyuriti) which means "security."

There are no direct antonyms for オートロック. ⚫︎ The opposite concept might be a building without a locking system, but there is no specific Japanese word for that.

新しいアパートはオートロックと防犯カメラが付いているので、とても安心です。 ・Translation: The new apartment has an automatic lock and security cameras, so it's very safe. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the safety features of an apartment building, including the オートロック system.

インターホンで訪問者を確認してから、オートロックを解除してください。 ・Translation: Please confirm the visitor using the intercom, and then release the automatic lock. ・Explanation: This sentence explains the correct procedure for letting a visitor into a building with an automatic lock.

The word オートロック comes directly from the English words "auto" (short for "automatic") and "lock." ⚫︎ It's a clear example of a loanword adopted into Japanese, combining elements to describe a modern technological feature.