1.
entrance step, threshold step in a genkan
The raised wooden or stone edge at the boundary between the lower entrance area (tataki) and the elevated floor in a Japanese genkan. This is where people sit to put on or remove shoes.
上がり框に腰をかける。
To sit on the entrance step.
上がり框の段差が高くて、上がりにくい。
The entrance step is high, making it hard to get up.
バリアフリーのために上がり框の高さを低くする工事をした。
We did construction work to lower the entrance step for barrier-free access.
CULTURAL NOTE:
The 上がり框 marks the boundary between the outside world and the living space in a traditional Japanese house. Stepping up from the 三和土 (earthen entrance floor) onto the 上がり框 symbolizes entering the home proper.
In modern homes, the step is typically 15-20 cm high, though older homes may have steps of 30 cm or more. Reducing the step height is a common barrier-free renovation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 上がり框に座る: to sit on the entrance step
- 上がり框の高さ: the height of the entrance step