1.
shop curtain, noren
A fabric divider hung at shop entrances, often bearing the shop name or logo.
暖簾をくぐる。
To pass through the shop curtain (to enter a shop).
2.
goodwill, reputation
A business's established reputation and brand value.
暖簾を守る。
To protect the shop's reputation.
暖簾分けで独立する。
To become independent through noren-wake (franchise system).
Traditional way of letting employees start their own branch
暖簾 is a traditional split fabric curtain hung at shop entrances in Japan.
SENSE 1 - PHYSICAL CURTAIN:
- 暖簾をくぐる: to pass through (enter a shop)
- 暖簾を下ろす: to put up the noren (open shop)
- 暖簾を上げる: to take down the noren (close shop)
SENSE 2 - REPUTATION/GOODWILL:
- 暖簾を守る: to protect the reputation
- 暖簾分け: branch shop (traditional franchising)
- 暖簾に傷がつく: to damage one's reputation
IDIOM:
暖簾に腕押し: wasted effort (lit. pushing against a curtain = no resistance, pointless)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Noren display the shop name/logo and signal the business is open. They're iconic in traditional shopping districts.