1.
entrance, entryway, foyer
The entrance area of a Japanese home or building where visitors are received and shoes are removed. A transitional space between outside and inside.
玄関で靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes at the entrance.
玄関のベルが鳴りました。
The doorbell rang.
玄関に花を飾りました。
I decorated the entrance with flowers.
玄関 is the entrance area of a Japanese building, culturally significant as the boundary between inside and outside.
Components:
- 上がり框 (step up into the house)
- 土間/{たたき} (earthen floor/concrete area)
- 下駄箱 (shoe cabinet)
- 傘立て (umbrella stand)
Cultural aspects:
- Shoes are removed before stepping up
- The lowered floor keeps dirt from entering
- Often has 表札 (nameplate) outside
- Guests may be greeted but not invited further (玄関先で)
Expressions:
- 玄関払い - turning someone away at the door
- 玄関先 - at the entrance (without inviting in)