玄関(げんかん)

玄関(げんかん) is the entrance area of a Japanese building, culturally significant as the boundary between inside and outside.

Components

• 上(あ)がり框(かまち) (step up into the house)
• 土間(どま)/たたき (earthen floor/concrete area)
• 下駄箱(げたばこ) (shoe cabinet)
• 傘立(かさた)て (umbrella stand)

Cultural aspects

• Shoes are removed before stepping up
• The lowered floor keeps dirt from entering
• Often has 表札(ひょうさつ) (nameplate) outside
• Guests may be greeted but not invited further (玄関先(げんかんさき)で)

Expressions

• 玄関(げんかん)払(ばら)い - turning someone away at the door
• 玄関先(げんかんさき) - at the entrance (without inviting in)