The first paragraph of the [JLabel API documentation](http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/javax/swing/JLabel.html) states:

*"A label does not react to input events. As a result, it cannot get the keyboard focus. A label can, however, display a keyboard alternative as a convenience for a nearby component that has a keyboard alternative but can't display it."*

I'm pretty sure I understand the concept of not being able to gain focus for keyboard events. What I'm not sure about is what it means when it says "A label can display a keyboard alternative as a convenience for a nearby component that has a keyboard alternative but can't display it".

What is a **keyboard alternative**? Why wouldn't a *nearby component be able to display it*? How does a label display a keyboard alternative for a near-by component?