鳥居(とりい)

とりい
noun
torii gate; shrine gate
1. torii gate; Shinto shrine gate
A traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Typically consists of two upright pillars connected by horizontal bars.
赤(あか)い鳥居(とりい)が山道(さんどう)に並(なら)んでいた。
Red torii gates lined the mountain path.
鳥居(とりい)をくぐる前(まえ)に一礼(いちれい)するのが礼儀(れいぎ)だ。
It's proper etiquette to bow before passing through a torii.
伏見稲荷(ふしみいなり)の千本鳥居(せんぼんとりい)は有名(ゆうめい)だ。
The thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari are famous.

SYMBOLISM:
The 鳥居(とりい) marks the boundary between the sacred (shrine) and profane (everyday world). Passing through it purifies visitors.

ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "bird perch" (鳥(とり) bird + 居(い) perch), though the exact origin is debated.

COLORS:

  • 朱色(しゅいろ) (vermilion): Most common, especially at Inari shrines
  • 白(しろ) (white): Plain or weathered wood
  • 黒(くろ) (black): Some regional variations

FAMOUS EXAMPLES:

  • 伏見稲荷大社(ふしみいなりたいしゃ): Thousands of vermilion torii
  • 厳島神社(いつくしまじんじゃ): Floating torii in the sea

ETIQUETTE:

  • Bow slightly before entering
  • Walk on the sides, not the center (reserved for gods)

Related Words

Related: 神社(じんじゃ) (Shinto shrine)
general
Added 2026.1.17 2:26 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05956_torii