Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,000 más común 9 min de lectura

窓口

madoguchi Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 窓口 en 30 segundos

Explicación 窓口 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'madoguchi' as a 'service window.' Imagine you are at a bank or a post office. You see a counter where a person is sitting behind a glass or a desk. That spot is the 'madoguchi.' You use this word to ask where you should go to get help. For example, 'Ginkō no madoguchi' is the bank window. You don't need to worry about the complex business meanings yet. Just remember it as the place where you talk to staff at a public building. It is a very useful word for travelers who need to find the right place to buy tickets or ask for information. You will often see it on signs in airports and train stations. It is a physical place you can point to.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you can start using 'madoguchi' in simple sentences to describe your actions. You might say, 'I went to the madoguchi' (Madoguchi ni ikimashita) or 'I spoke at the madoguchi' (Madoguchi de hanashimashita). You will also notice that different windows have different names. For example, a 'reception window' is 'uketsuke madoguchi.' You are learning that this word is the standard way to refer to service points in Japan. It is more formal than 'kauntā' (counter). You should be able to recognize it on forms or when a staff member points you toward a specific desk. It is an essential word for daily life tasks like paying bills or sending packages at the post office.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'madoguchi' is not just a physical window but also a 'point of contact' or 'liaison.' In a business setting, a 'madoguchi' is the person or department you should contact for a specific project. For example, 'The sales department is the madoguchi for this deal.' This is a very common way to organize communication in Japanese companies. You should also be comfortable with compound words like 'sōdan madoguchi' (consultation desk). You can use it metaphorically, such as 'a window to the world.' At this level, you are moving beyond the physical counter and into the functional role of the word in professional and social systems.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'madoguchi' fluently in professional contexts. You understand the nuance of 'madoguchi o ipponka suru' (to centralize contact points) or 'madoguchi o hirogeru' (to expand contact channels). You can use the word to discuss organizational efficiency or customer service strategies. You also recognize its use in news and politics, such as 'diplomatic windows' or 'channels for negotiation.' You understand that 'madoguchi' represents the 'face' of an organization and carries a connotation of official procedure. You can distinguish between 'madoguchi' (the channel) and 'tantōsha' (the individual worker) with precision in your speech and writing.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you can appreciate the subtle nuances and historical weight of the term 'madoguchi.' You might use it in complex discussions about bureaucratic reform or corporate restructuring. You understand how the concept of 'madoguchi' reflects Japanese values of order, hierarchy, and clear communication channels. You can use it in sophisticated metaphors, such as describing a person as a 'madoguchi' between two cultures or ideologies. Your usage is natural and reflects an understanding of when to use this term versus more academic or technical alternatives like 'setten' (contact point) or 'interfēsu' (interface). You can also handle the word in legal or highly formal administrative documents without hesitation.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'madoguchi' is a word you use with the same ease as a native speaker, fully integrated into your conceptual map of Japanese society. You can analyze the socio-linguistic implications of 'madoguchi' services in the digital transformation era. You might use the term in high-level negotiations to define communication protocols. You understand its role in literature or high-level journalism as a symbol of accessibility or, conversely, bureaucratic barriers ('tatewari madoguchi'). You are capable of using the word to explain complex administrative systems to others, and you never confuse its physical, metaphorical, and professional meanings. Your mastery of 'madoguchi' is complete across all registers and contexts.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

窓口 en 30 segundos

A physical service window or counter at a bank or office.
A designated point of contact or person for business inquiries.
A metaphorical 'gateway' or channel for communication or trade.
An essential term for navigating Japanese bureaucracy and formal services.

The Japanese word 窓口 (madoguchi) is a versatile noun that literally translates to 'window-opening' or 'window-mouth,' but its usage in modern Japanese extends far beyond a simple architectural feature. At its most basic level, it refers to a physical service window or counter, such as those found in banks, post offices, or government buildings. However, for a B1 learner, it is crucial to understand that it also represents a 'point of contact' or a 'liaison' within an organizational structure.

Physical Counter: The literal place where you stand to talk to a clerk. Example: 銀行の窓口 (Ginkō no madoguchi - bank counter).
Organizational Liaison: A specific person or department designated to handle inquiries. Example: 問い合わせの窓口 (Toiawase no madoguchi - inquiry desk/contact point).
Gateway or Channel: A metaphorical opening for communication or trade between countries or groups. Example: 貿易の窓口 (Bōeki no madoguchi - gateway for trade).

Historically, Japanese service culture centered around these small openings in walls rather than open-plan desks, which is why the term persists today even if the physical 'window' is just a wide desk. In a professional context, if a company tells you 'Tanaka-san is the madoguchi,' they mean he is the person you should go through for all communication regarding a specific project.

役所の窓口で住民票をもらいました。 (I received my residence certificate at the city hall counter.)

Understanding this word is essential for navigating Japanese bureaucracy and business. It implies a sense of formal procedure and structured communication. Whether you are applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or negotiating a business deal, you will always be directed to a specific madoguchi. The concept emphasizes the 'entry point' to a larger system. In the digital age, websites often have a 'Digital Madoguchi' (デジタル窓口), which is simply a contact form or a support chat. This shows how the word has evolved from wood and glass to pixels and code while maintaining its core identity as the place where two parties meet to exchange information or services.

この件については、営業部が窓口になっております。 (Regarding this matter, the sales department is acting as the point of contact.)

One-Stop Service: ワンストップ窓口 (Wan sutoppu madoguchi) refers to a single counter that can handle multiple types of paperwork, a common goal in Japanese administrative reform.

Using 窓口 (madoguchi) correctly requires understanding its role as both a physical location and a functional role. Grammatically, it functions as a standard noun. You will frequently see it paired with particles like で (at/by) to indicate where an action occurs, or に (to/at) to indicate a destination or target.

Location + 窓口: 銀行の窓口 (Bank counter), 郵便局の窓口 (Post office counter), 空港の窓口 (Airport check-in/service counter).
Purpose + 窓口: 相談窓口 (Consultation desk), 苦情窓口 (Complaint desk), 予約窓口 (Reservation desk).

When referring to a person acting as a liaison, you use the verb 務める (tsutomeru - to serve as) or なる (naru - to become). For example, '田中さんが窓口を務めています' (Mr. Tanaka is serving as the contact person). This is a very common phrase in B2B (business-to-business) communications.

ご不明な点は、カスタマーサポートの窓口までお問い合わせください。 (For any unclear points, please contact the customer support desk.)

Another common pattern involves the verb 通す (toosu - to go through). '窓口を通す' means to go through the official channels or the designated contact person. This is often used when trying to emphasize that one shouldn't bypass the official procedure. In formal writing, such as emails, you might see '窓口業務' (madoguchi gyōmu), which refers to 'front-of-house' or 'counter services' as a professional field. If you are applying for a job, you might see this in the job description.

銀行の窓口は午後3時に閉まります。 (The bank counters close at 3 PM.)

Compound Verbs: 窓口を一本化する (madoguchi o ippon-ka suru) - To unify various contact points into one single channel.

The word is also used in diplomatic contexts. '対話の窓口' (taiwa no madoguchi) refers to a 'window for dialogue' between two conflicting parties. This metaphorical use is very common in news reports and political science. It suggests that while the main doors might be closed, a small opening for communication remains.

You will encounter 窓口 (madoguchi) almost immediately upon arriving in Japan. The first place is likely the airport. The 'Information Counter' or 'Lost and Found' are all types of madoguchi. When you move into an apartment, you must visit the 役所 (yakusho - city hall). There, you will see dozens of numbered madoguchi, each handling a specific task like health insurance, taxes, or moving notices.

すみません、海外送金の窓口はどちらですか？ (Excuse me, which one is the counter for international remittances?)

In the banking world, there is a clear distinction between ATM services and 窓口 services. Certain transactions, like large withdrawals or specific international transfers, can *only* be done at the madoguchi. You will hear staff say, '窓口でお手続きください' (Please complete the procedure at the counter).

Public Transport: At train stations, the 'Midori no Madoguchi' (Green Window) is the famous ticket office for JR lines where you buy Shinkansen tickets or commuter passes.
Corporate Environment: In B2B meetings, someone might say, '今後の窓口は私が担当します' (I will be the contact person going forward).

You will also hear it on the news. When a company has a scandal, they often announce a 'Special Consultation Madoguchi' for affected customers. In this sense, it is the official 'front door' for addressing issues. In educational settings, the 'Student Affairs' office is the madoguchi for students. If you are a foreign student, the 'International Student Center' is your primary madoguchi for visa and scholarship issues.

チケットはあちらの窓口で販売しております。 (Tickets are being sold at that counter over there.)

Medical Context: At a hospital, the reception where you pay and show your insurance card is called the 会計窓口 (kaikei madoguchi - payment counter).

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 窓口 (madoguchi) with the simple word for window, which is 窓 (mado). While they share a kanji, they are not interchangeable. 窓 refers to the glass window in a wall that lets in light or air. You would never say 'I looked out the madoguchi to see the rain.' Conversely, you wouldn't usually say 'I went to the bank mado to get money.'

Mado vs. Madoguchi: 窓 (Mado): Architectural window. 窓口 (Madoguchi): Service counter or contact point.

Another mistake is using カウンター (kauntā) in formal or administrative contexts. While カウンター is used for bars, kitchens, or sometimes retail shops, 窓口 is the 'correct' word for banks, post offices, and government bureaus. Using カウンター at city hall might sound a bit informal or slightly off.

✕ 窓を閉めてください (Close the service counter - sounds like closing a literal window).
○ 窓口の受付は終了しました (The counter reception has ended).

Learners also sometimes struggle with the metaphorical use. They might use 連絡先 (renrakusaki - contact info) when 窓口 (the entity/person to contact) is more appropriate. 連絡先 is the phone number or email itself; 窓口 is the *channel* or the *person* representing that channel.

Confusion with 受付 (Uketsuke): Uketsuke is 'reception.' While often the same place, 'madoguchi' is more specific to the service window itself, while 'uketsuke' is the act of receiving or the general area.

Finally, avoid using 窓口 for digital 'windows' in software (like a browser window). For that, the katakana ウィンドウ (windō) is used. Using madoguchi for a computer window will confuse Japanese speakers, as it implies a service desk inside your computer.

There are several words related to 窓口 (madoguchi) that learners should distinguish to sound more natural.

受付 (Uketsuke): Meaning 'Reception.' This is where you first check in at a hotel, hospital, or company. While a madoguchi is where you do the actual work/transaction, the uketsuke is where you are first greeted.
カウンター (Kauntā): From the English 'counter.' Used for physical counters in shops, bars, or kitchens. It lacks the administrative and 'liaison' nuances of madoguchi.
担当者 (Tantōsha): Meaning 'Person in charge.' While a madoguchi can be a person, tantōsha is specifically the individual responsible for a task. Madoguchi is more about the *entry point* for communication.

このプロジェクトの窓口は佐藤さんですが、技術的な担当者は田中さんです。 (The contact person for this project is Mr. Sato, but the person in charge of technical aspects is Mr. Tanaka.)

連絡先 (Renrakusaki): Meaning 'Contact information.' This refers to the data (phone number, email) rather than the entity or physical place.
取次ぎ (Toritsugi): Meaning 'Intermediary' or 'agency.' This is often used for the act of passing a message or handling an agency's work, whereas madoguchi is the static point where that happens.

In very formal or academic writing, you might see 'インターフェース' (interface) or '接点' (setten - point of contact/intersection) used metaphorically, but 窓口 remains the most common and practical term for everyday professional and administrative life.

お客様との窓口を広げる。 (To expand the contact points with customers.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In the Edo period, 'madoguchi' were often the only way commoners could interact with officials without entering a building.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /mɑːˈdɒɡuːtʃi/

US /mɑːˈdoʊɡuːtʃi/

None (Japanese has pitch accent, not stress accent).

Rima con

Kuchi (mouth) Tsuchi (earth) Uchi (inside) Muchi (whip) Fuchi (edge) Kochi (here) Michi (road) Tachi (stand)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'chi' as 'she'.
Putting too much emphasis on the 'do' syllable.
Truncating the 'u' sound in 'gu'.
Confusing it with 'mado' (window).
Saying 'madoguchi' when referring to a computer window.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji are relatively simple (window and mouth), but the compound meaning is abstract.

Escritura 4/5

Writing 'mado' (窓) requires attention to the radical and stroke order.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds for English speakers.

Escucha 3/5

Common in public announcements, so it's important to recognize it in noisy environments.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

窓 (window) 口 (mouth) 受付 (reception) 銀行 (bank) 手続き (procedure)

Aprende después

担当者 (person in charge) 問い合わせ (inquiry) 交渉 (negotiation) 連携 (cooperation) 仲介 (mediation)

Avanzado

媒介 (mediation) 界面 (interface) 接点 (contact point) ハブ (hub) 取次 (agency)

Gramática que debes saber

Using ~で to indicate location of action at a 'madoguchi'.

窓口でお金を払いました。

Compound nouns forming specific types of 'madoguchi'.

相談 + 窓口 = 相談窓口

Using ~になる to indicate taking on the role of a liaison.

私が窓口になります。

Using ~を通す to indicate going through a channel.

窓口を通して連絡してください。

Using ~を設ける for establishing a service point.

新しい窓口を設けました。

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

銀行の窓口はどこですか？

Where is the bank counter?

窓口 (madoguchi) + は (wa) + どこ (doko) + ですか (desu ka).

窓口で切符を買いました。

I bought a ticket at the counter.

窓口 (madoguchi) + で (de - particle for location of action).

あちらの窓口に行ってください。

Please go to that counter over there.

~に (ni) + 行ってください (itte kudasai - polite request).

郵便局の窓口はあそこです。

The post office counter is over there.

郵便局 (yūbinkyoku) + の (no) + 窓口 (madoguchi).

窓口の人は親切でした。

The person at the counter was kind.

窓口の人 (madoguchi no hito) - person at the counter.

窓口は何時までですか？

Until what time is the counter open?

何時 (nan-ji) + まで (made - until).

この窓口で並んでください。

Please line up at this counter.

並んでください (narande kudasai - please line up).

窓口に電話があります。

There is a phone at the counter.

窓口に (madoguchi ni) + あります (arimasu).

窓口で手続きをしました。

I completed the procedures at the counter.

手続き (tetsuzuki) means procedure or paperwork.

新しい窓口ができました。

A new service window has been established.

できました (dekimashita) means was made or was completed.

窓口で保険証を見せてください。

Please show your insurance card at the counter.

見せてください (misete kudasai) - please show.

銀行の窓口は3時に閉まります。

Bank counters close at 3 o'clock.

閉まります (shimarimasu) - to close (intransitive).

チケット窓口は外にあります。

The ticket counter is outside.

チケット窓口 (chiketto madoguchi) is a common compound.

窓口で番号札を取ってください。

Please take a number ticket at the counter.

番号札 (bangō-fuda) - numbered ticket.

窓口の受付時間は短いです。

The reception hours at the counter are short.

受付時間 (uketsuke jikan) - reception hours.

わからないことは窓口で聞いてください。

Please ask at the counter if there is anything you don't understand.

~で聞いてください (de kiite kudasai) - please ask at...

彼がこのプロジェクトの窓口です。

He is the point of contact for this project.

Here, 窓口 refers to a person acting as a liaison.

相談窓口にメールを送りました。

I sent an email to the consultation desk.

相談窓口 (sōdan madoguchi) - consultation/advice desk.

窓口を一本化して、効率を上げます。

We will unify the contact points to increase efficiency.

一本化する (ippon-ka suru) - to unify or centralize.

苦情の窓口はどこにありますか？

Where is the window for complaints?

苦情 (kujō) - complaint.

会社は新しいお問い合わせ窓口を設置した。

The company set up a new inquiry desk.

設置した (setchi shita) - established/installed.

窓口業務はオートメーション化が進んでいる。

Counter services are becoming increasingly automated.

窓口業務 (madoguchi gyōmu) - counter/front-desk work.

留学生のための窓口があります。

There is a service desk for international students.

留学生 (ryūgakusei) - international student.

窓口を通さずに直接交渉した。

I negotiated directly without going through the official channel.

窓口を通さずに (madoguchi o toosazu ni) - without going through the window.

この窓口では、税金に関する相談を受け付けています。

At this counter, we accept consultations regarding taxes.

受け付けています (uketsukete imasu) - is accepting.

窓口担当者の対応が非常に丁寧だった。

The response from the person at the counter was very polite.

窓口担当者 (madoguchi tantōsha) - person in charge of the counter.

災害支援の窓口を急いで開設する必要がある。

It is necessary to quickly open a window for disaster relief.

開設する (kaisetsu suru) - to open/set up (a facility).

彼女は日本と海外の窓口として活躍している。

She is active as a liaison between Japan and overseas.

~として (toshite) - as/in the capacity of.

窓口でのやり取りを記録に残しておく。

I will keep a record of the exchange at the counter.

やり取り (yaritori) - exchange/interaction.

市役所の窓口は、いつも混雑している。

The city hall counters are always crowded.

混雑している (kon-zatsu shite iru) - is crowded.

デジタル窓口の導入により、待ち時間が短縮された。

With the introduction of a digital window, waiting times were shortened.

短縮された (tanshuku sareta) - was shortened.

交渉の窓口を閉ざしてはいけない。

We must not close the window for negotiation.

閉ざす (tozasu) - to close/block.

組織の肥大化に伴い、窓口の役割が不明確になっている。

As the organization grows larger, the role of the contact point is becoming unclear.

肥大化 (hidaika) - bloat/over-expansion.

ワンストップ窓口の実現は、行政改革の大きな柱だ。

The realization of one-stop service windows is a major pillar of administrative reform.

行政改革 (gyōsei kaikaku) - administrative reform.

彼は長年、両国間の非公式な窓口を務めてきた。

For many years, he has served as an informal channel between the two countries.

非公式 (hikōshiki) - informal/unofficial.

窓口業務のアウトソーシングが議論の的となっている。

The outsourcing of counter services is a subject of debate.

議論の的 (giron no mato) - target/subject of debate.

苦情窓口の対応一つで、企業の評価は大きく変わる。

A company's reputation can change significantly based on a single response at the complaint desk.

対応一つで (taiō hitotsu de) - with just one response.

複数の窓口をたらい回しにされ、非常に不愉快だった。

I was passed from one counter to another, which was very unpleasant.

たらい回し (taraimawashi) - being sent from pillar to post.

情報の窓口を制限することで、機密を保持する。

Confidentiality is maintained by restricting the channels of information.

機密を保持する (kimitsu o hoji suru) - to maintain secrecy.

地域住民との窓口を強化し、信頼関係を築く。

Strengthen the contact point with local residents to build a relationship of trust.

信頼関係を築く (shinrai kankei o kizuku) - to build trust.

官民一体となった相談窓口の拡充が、喫緊の課題である。

The expansion of consultation windows integrated between public and private sectors is an urgent issue.

喫緊の課題 (kikkin no kadai) - urgent issue.

外交の窓口が閉ざされた今、事態の打開は困難を極める。

Now that the diplomatic channels are closed, breaking the deadlock is extremely difficult.

困難を極める (konnan o kiwameru) - to be extremely difficult.

その部署は、外部からのあらゆる要求に対する唯一の窓口として機能している。

That department functions as the sole point of contact for all external requests.

唯一の (yuiitsu no) - sole/only.

窓口での対面サービスとデジタル化の均衡をどう保つかが問われている。

The question is how to balance face-to-face services at the counter with digitalization.

均衡を保つ (kinkō o tamotsu) - to maintain balance.

縦割り行政の弊害を打破するため、総合窓口の設置が進められている。

To overcome the harmful effects of vertically divided administration, comprehensive windows are being set up.

縦割り行政 (tatewari gyōsei) - siloed/vertically divided administration.

顧客満足度を向上させるには、窓口のクオリティ向上が不可欠だ。

To improve customer satisfaction, enhancing the quality of the service counter is essential.

不可欠 (fukatsu-ketsu) - essential.

かつて長崎は、日本にとって世界への唯一の窓口であった。

Nagasaki was once Japan's only window to the world.

世界への窓口 (sekai e no madoguchi) - window to the world.

情報の窓口が多すぎると、メッセージが希薄化する恐れがある。

If there are too many contact points for information, there is a risk that the message will be diluted.

希薄化 (kihakuka) - dilution.

Sinónimos

カウンター受付連絡先相談室

Antónimos

自動機オンライン

Colocaciones comunes

窓口を設ける

窓口を一本化する

窓口で手続きする

窓口を閉ざす

窓口業務

窓口担当者

総合窓口

窓口を広げる

窓口に並ぶ

窓口を通す

Frases Comunes

みどりの窓口

— The JR ticket office for Shinkansen and special tickets.

みどりの窓口で新幹線の切符を買った。

相談窓口

— A help desk or consultation service for specific issues.

健康相談窓口に電話した。

苦情窓口

— A specific place or channel for filing complaints.

苦情窓口にメールを送った。

お問い合わせ窓口

— The general inquiry desk or contact point for customers.

詳細はお問い合わせ窓口まで。

窓口が広い

— Having many channels or being open to various contacts.

あの会社は窓口が広くて話しやすい。

一本化した窓口

— A unified or single point of contact for multiple services.

一本化した窓口は非常に便利だ。

窓口を閉める

— To close the service counter or stop accepting inquiries.

3時になったので窓口を閉めた。

デジタル窓口

— An online contact point or electronic service portal.

デジタル窓口から申請してください。

窓口サービス

— Services provided at a physical counter.

窓口サービスを改善する。

受付窓口

— The reception window where initial contact is made.

受付窓口で名前を書いてください。

Se confunde a menudo con

窓口 vs 窓 (Mado)

Mado is a literal window in a building. Madoguchi is a service window or contact point.

窓口 vs 受付 (Uketsuke)

Uketsuke is 'reception.' Madoguchi is more specifically the window where transactions occur.

窓口 vs カウンター (Kauntā)

Kauntā is used for bars or shops; Madoguchi is more for official or administrative services.

Modismos y expresiones

"窓口を広げる"

— To increase the ways or opportunities for contact or trade.

販路拡大のために窓口を広げる。

Business

"窓口を閉ざす"

— To refuse any further communication or negotiation.

相手側は交渉の窓口を完全に閉ざした。

Formal

"窓口を一本化する"

— To simplify communication by having only one point of contact.

混乱を避けるため、窓口を一本化する。

Business

"窓口になる"

— To act as the representative or liaison for a group.

私がこの件の窓口になります。

Neutral

"世界の窓口"

— A place or person that connects a country to the rest of the world.

空港は世界の窓口だ。

Metaphorical

"窓口を通す"

— To follow the official procedure or go through the right person.

直接ではなく、窓口を通してください。

Formal

"窓口が狭い"

— Having very limited ways to contact or enter a system.

あの奨学金は窓口が狭くて難しい。

Neutral

"対話の窓口"

— A channel kept open specifically for speaking and resolving issues.

対話の窓口を維持することが重要だ。

Diplomatic

"窓口を求める"

— To look for a way to start communication or negotiation.

彼らは平和への窓口を求めている。

Formal

"窓口を設ける"

— To establish a dedicated place or person for a specific purpose.

被災者のための相談窓口を設けた。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

窓口 vs 窓

They share the first kanji and both relate to windows.

窓 is for looking through/light. 窓口 is for services/communication.

窓を開ける (open the window) vs 窓口へ行く (go to the counter).

窓口 vs 受付

Both are places you go for help in a building.

受付 is the general reception area. 窓口 is the specific service window.

受付で名前を書く (write name at reception) vs 窓口で手続きする (do paperwork at the counter).

窓口 vs カウンター

Both refer to a flat surface where service happens.

カウンター is informal or retail/food. 窓口 is administrative/official.

バーのカウンター (bar counter) vs 銀行の窓口 (bank counter).

窓口 vs 入り口

Both can mean 'entrance' or 'gateway'.

入り口 is a physical door. 窓口 is a functional point of contact.

ビルの入り口 (building entrance) vs 相談の窓口 (consultation window).

窓口 vs 連絡先

Both relate to contacting someone.

連絡先 is the data (phone/email). 窓口 is the entity or person.

連絡先をメモする (note down contact info) vs 彼が窓口だ (he is the contact person).

Patrones de oraciones

[Place] の窓口はどこですか？

銀行の窓口はどこですか？

窓口で [Action] をします。

窓口で切符を買います。

[Person] が [Project] の窓口です。

田中さんがこの件の窓口です。

[Purpose] の窓口を設ける。

相談の窓口を設ける。

窓口を一本化する。

会社の窓口を一本化することになった。

窓口を通さずに [Action]。

窓口を通さずに直接話した。

[Abstract] の窓口として機能する。

彼は両国の窓口として機能している。

窓口業務の [Noun]。

窓口業務の効率化が求められている。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

窓 (window)

口 (mouth/opening)

窓口業務 (counter business)

窓口担当者 (counter staff)

Verbos

窓口になる (to act as contact)

窓口を設ける (to establish a contact point)

Relacionado

受付 (reception)

案内 (guidance)

相談 (consultation)

連絡 (contact)

手続き (procedure)

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in administrative, banking, and business contexts.

Errores comunes

Using 'mado' for a service counter. → 窓口 (madoguchi)
'Mado' is only for architectural windows. 'Madoguchi' is for service points.
Using 'madoguchi' for a browser window. → ウィンドウ (windō)
'Madoguchi' is not used for software interfaces.
Using 'kauntā' at the city hall. → 窓口 (madoguchi)
'Kauntā' sounds too informal for government offices; 'madoguchi' is the standard term.
Using 'madoguchi' to mean 'contact info' (phone number). → 連絡先 (renrakusaki)
'Madoguchi' is the entity/person, 'renrakusaki' is the actual data.
Confusing 'madoguchi' with 'tantōsha'. → Use 'madoguchi' for the channel, 'tantōsha' for the person.
While a person can be a 'madoguchi,' 'tantōsha' is more specific to their responsibility for the work.

Consejos

Bank Hours

In Japan, bank counters (madoguchi) usually close at 3:00 PM. ATMs are available longer, but for complex tasks, you must go to the madoguchi early.

Business Liaison

When introducing a colleague as a contact point, say '窓口を務めます' (serves as the window) to sound very professional.

Particles

Use 'で' for actions happening at the counter (窓口で払う) and 'に' for movement toward it (窓口に行く).

Compound Words

Learning 'sōdan madoguchi' (consultation desk) is very helpful for navigating life in Japan.

Politeness

The staff at the madoguchi will use very polite 'keigo.' Try to use 'desu/masu' forms when speaking to them.

Online Forms

Many Japanese websites have a button labeled 'お問い合わせ窓口' which leads to their contact form.

Train Tickets

At the 'Midori no Madoguchi,' you can use credit cards for tickets, which is sometimes not possible at the machines.

Window Mouth

Remember: Mado (Window) + Guchi (Mouth). It's the mouth of the building that speaks through a window.

Not a Window

Never say 'I looked out the madoguchi' to mean looking out a window at a view. Use 'mado' for that.

Job Searching

'Madoguchi gyōmu' is a common job category for administrative or customer service roles.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Window Mouth.' It's the 'mouth' of the building where it 'talks' to the public through a 'window.'

Asociación visual

Imagine a bank clerk sitting behind a small glass window, which is the 'mouth' of the bank for your money.

Word Web

Bank Counter Liaison Contact Point City Hall Post Office Service Window Channel Gateway

Desafío

Go to a Japanese website and try to find the 'お問い合わせ窓口' (Inquiry Desk). Notice where it is located.

Origen de la palabra

Composed of two kanji: 窓 (mado), meaning 'window,' and 口 (kuchi), meaning 'mouth' or 'opening.'

Significado original: Originally referred to the small openings in the walls of traditional Japanese buildings used for transactions.

Japanese (Sino-Japanese compound).

Contexto cultural

Be aware that 'madoguchi' implies an official channel; bypassing it can sometimes be seen as rude in Japanese business culture.

In English, we often use 'counter,' 'desk,' or 'point of contact' depending on the situation, whereas Japanese often uses 'madoguchi' for all of these.

Midori no Madoguchi (JR Ticket Offices) The 'Window' metaphor in Japanese literature for the outside world. Bureaucratic 'tatewari' (siloed) windows often criticized in news.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Bank

窓口で入金する (deposit at the counter)
窓口は何時までですか？ (What time does the counter close?)
番号札を持って窓口へ行く (go to the counter with a number ticket)
窓口で本人確認をする (identity verification at the counter)

At City Hall

住民票の窓口 (residence certificate window)
総合窓口で聞く (ask at the general window)
窓口で書類を出す (submit documents at the counter)
窓口が空いている (the counter is free)

In Business

プロジェクトの窓口 (project contact point)
窓口を一本化する (unify contact points)
外部向けの窓口 (outward-facing window)
窓口担当者を決める (decide on a contact person)

Customer Support

相談窓口に電話する (call the consultation desk)
苦情窓口を探す (look for the complaint desk)
24時間対応の窓口 (24-hour service window)
ウェブ上の窓口 (online contact point)

At the Station

みどりの窓口へ行く (go to the ticket office)
窓口で払い戻す (get a refund at the counter)
定期券の窓口 (commuter pass window)
特急券を窓口で買う (buy express tickets at the counter)

Inicios de conversación

"銀行の窓口って、いつも混んでますよね。 (Bank counters are always crowded, aren't they?)"

"このプロジェクトの窓口は、どなたが担当されていますか？ (Who is the point of contact for this project?)"

"役所の窓口の対応、どう思いましたか？ (What did you think of the service at the city hall counter?)"

"最近はデジタル窓口が増えて便利になりましたね。 (Digital windows have increased lately, making things convenient, right?)"

"新幹線の切符、窓口で買いますか？それともアプリですか？ (Do you buy Shinkansen tickets at the window or via an app?)"

Temas para diario

今日、銀行の窓口で経験したことを書いてください。 (Write about your experience at a bank counter today.)

もしあなたが会社の窓口担当者だったら、どんなことに気をつけますか？ (If you were a company contact person, what would you be careful about?)

日本の「みどりの窓口」とあなたの国の駅の窓口の違いは何ですか？ (What are the differences between Japan's 'Midori no Madoguchi' and station counters in your country?)

「対話の窓口」を閉ざさないために必要なことは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to keep the 'window for dialogue' open?)

オンラインの窓口と対面の窓口、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you prefer online contact points or face-to-face counters?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it can also refer to a person or department acting as a point of contact, or even a metaphorical channel for communication.

No, for software windows, you should use the katakana word 'ウィンドウ' (windō).

It is the official name for JR (Japan Railways) ticket offices where you can buy Shinkansen and reserved seat tickets.

Yes, it is the standard formal/neutral word for service counters in professional and administrative settings.

You can say '窓口' (madoguchi) or '担当窓口' (tantō madoguchi).

'Uketsuke' is the general reception desk, while 'madoguchi' is often a more specific service window for certain tasks.

Yes, 'Tanaka-san is the madoguchi' means Tanaka-san is the person you should contact for that matter.

It means to consolidate multiple contact points into one single channel for efficiency.

Usually, 'reji' (register) or 'kauntā' is used for shops. 'Madoguchi' is for services like banks or offices.

Yes, it refers to a 'channel' or 'window' for dialogue between nations.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Translate: 'Where is the bank counter?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'Ginkō no madoguchi wa doko desu ka?'