表口(おもてぐち)

表口(おもてぐち) refers to the main or front entrance of a building.

Etymology

• 表(おもて): Front, surface, outside
• 口(ぐち): Opening, entrance

CONTRAST WITH 裏口(うらぐち):

• 表口(おもてぐち): Front entrance (formal, public)
• 裏口(うらぐち): Back entrance (informal, service)

Common collocations

• 表口(おもてぐち)から入(はい)る (to enter from the front)
• 表口(おもてぐち)で待(ま)つ (to wait at the front entrance)
• 表口(おもてぐち)に回(まわ)る (to go around to the front)

Related words

• 裏口(うらぐち) (back entrance)
• 玄関(げんかん) (entrance, entryway)
• 入口(いりぐち) (entrance - general)
• 正面(しょうめん)玄関(げんかん) (main entrance - more formal)

Usage

• 表口(おもてぐち) emphasizes the "front" or public-facing nature
• More commonly used for shops and traditional buildings
• 正面(しょうめん)入口(いりぐち) or 正面(しょうめん)玄関(げんかん) is more formal for official buildings

Register: Neutral. Common in everyday speech.