1.
introduction, beginner's guide
An introductory-level resource or course for learning something new. Commonly used in book titles and course names.
プログラミング入門の本を買った。
I bought an introductory book on programming.
この講座は初心者向けの入門コースです。
This class is a beginner-level introductory course.
日本語入門のテキストとしては、これが一番わかりやすい。
As an introductory Japanese textbook, this one is the easiest to understand.
2.
becoming a disciple, entering a school
Formally becoming a student or disciple under a master, especially in traditional arts, martial arts, or crafts.
師匠に入門する。
Become a disciple of a master.
若い頃、茶道の先生に入門した。
When I was young, I entered the school of a tea ceremony teacher.
有名な落語家に入門して、弟子として修行を始めた。
I became a disciple of a famous rakugo performer and began my training.
Sense 1 is by far the more common usage in modern Japanese, appearing frequently in book titles and course names.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 〜入門 (introduction to ~, as a book/course title suffix)
- 入門書 (introductory book)
- 入門コース (introductory course)
- 入門編 (introductory volume/section)
- 師匠に入門する (become a master's disciple)
Sense 2 is used in traditional arts such as 落語 (comic storytelling), 茶道 (tea ceremony), 書道 (calligraphy), and 武道 (martial arts).