1.
low doorway; small wicket door; crawl-through door
A small, low door set within or beside a larger gate or wall, low enough that a person must stoop or duck to pass through. Common in traditional Japanese architecture, tea houses, and temple gates.
From 潜る (to duck under, to pass through) + 戸 (door). The verb element captures the stooping motion required to enter.
Common collocations
- くぐり戸を開ける: to open the small door
- くぐり戸をくぐる: to pass through the low doorway
- 茶室のくぐり戸: tea room wicket door
Cultural note
In tea ceremony, the low entrance (躙口) is a famous example: guests must crouch to enter, symbolizing humility and equality regardless of rank.