上(あ)がり框(がまち)

あがりがまち
noun
entrance step, threshold step
buildingculture
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(あ)がり框(がまち)に腰(こし)をかける。
To sit on the entrance step.
上(あ)がり框(がまち)の段差(だんさ)が高(たか)くて、上(あ)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(あ)がり框(がまち)の高(たか)さを低(ひく)くする工事(こうじ)をした。
We did construction work to lower the entrance step for barrier-free access.

Cultural note

The 上(あ)がり框(がまち) marks the boundary between the outside world and the living space in a traditional Japanese house. Stepping up from the 三和土(たたき) (earthen entrance floor) onto the 上(あ)がり框(がまち) 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

Related Words

Related: 土間(どま) (dirt floor)
general
Added 2026.2.10 9:31 · Revised 2026.10.12 4:54
10500/10774_agarigamachi