When you enter a Japanese home or some traditional buildings, the very first area you step into is called the genkan (げんかん). This isn’t just a regular entryway; it's a dedicated space where people take off their shoes before entering the main living areas. You'll often find a small step up from the genkan into the rest of the house. It's a key part of Japanese etiquette and daily life, showing a clear separation between the outside and the clean interior of a building.
When you enter a Japanese home or some traditional buildings, you'll first step into the genkan (げんかん). This is a crucial space, functioning as an entrance hall or foyer where people remove their shoes before entering the main living areas.
You'll often find a step up from the genkan to the rest of the house, clearly separating the 'outside' (where shoes are worn) from the 'inside' (where shoes are not). This area usually has a shoe rack or cabinet called a 'getabako' to store footwear.
It's important to remember that stepping directly into a Japanese home with your shoes on is considered impolite. Always look for the genkan and remove your shoes there.
When you enter a Japanese house or apartment, the very first area you step into is called the genkan (玄関). It's a small, distinct space right inside the door where people traditionally remove their shoes.
This is a practical custom, as it keeps the main living areas of the home clean. You'll often see a shoe rack (下駄箱 - getabako) in the genkan for storing footwear.
It's important to remember to take your shoes off when entering someone's home in Japan, and the genkan is where this happens. Leaving your shoes neatly at the genkan shows respect for the homeowner and their traditions.
When entering a Japanese home, you'll almost always step into a space called the genkan (げんかん). This isn't just an ordinary entryway; it's a specific area where you take off your shoes. You'll usually find a step or a slight drop down into the main living space, clearly separating the 'outside' area from the 'inside'. It's important to remove your shoes here as a sign of cleanliness and respect for the home.
When you enter a Japanese home, you'll first step into the genkan (げんかん), which is the entrance hall or foyer. This area serves as a transition space between the outside and the inside of the house. It's customary to remove your shoes here and place them neatly with the toes pointing towards the door. The genkan often features a small step up into the main living area, visually and functionally separating the 'clean' inside from the 'unclean' outside world. It's an important part of Japanese etiquette and home design.
§ What 'genkan' means
The Japanese word げんかん (genkan) refers to the entrance area of a Japanese house, apartment, or even some public buildings. Think of it as an entrance hall or foyer. It's not just a space to walk through; it has a very specific cultural function.
In Western homes, you might walk directly into a living room or a hallway where you keep your shoes on. In Japan, the genkan is the transition zone between the outside world and the inside of the home. This is where you remove your shoes before stepping up into the main living space. This practice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, emphasizing cleanliness and respect for the home.
- Definition
- entrance hall; foyer
§ When people use 'genkan'
You'll encounter and use the word げんかん in various situations related to entering or leaving a Japanese building. Here are some common scenarios:
- When inviting someone into your home: You might say, "Please come in through the genkan."
- When describing the layout of a house: "The genkan is on the right after you enter."
- When talking about where to put shoes: "Please leave your shoes in the genkan."
It's not just a place for shoes, though that's its primary function. The genkan often has a shoe cabinet (下駄箱, getabako) and sometimes a small bench to sit on while putting on or taking off shoes. You might also find umbrellas or decorative items there.
どうぞ、げんかんへお入りください。
(Dōzo, genkan e o-airi kudasai.)
Please come into the entrance hall.
げんかんで靴を脱いでください。
(Genkan de kutsu o nuide kudasai.)
Please take off your shoes in the entrance hall.
Understanding the concept of genkan is key to navigating social situations in Japan. It's not just a word; it's a window into Japanese customs and etiquette. When you visit a Japanese home, always pay attention to the genkan and be prepared to remove your shoes. Often, house slippers (スリッパ, surippa) will be provided for you to wear indoors, except in rooms with tatami mats, where you go barefoot or in socks.
The term げんかん is widely understood and used across all age groups and social strata in Japan. It's a fundamental part of daily life. So, when you hear or read げんかん, you should immediately visualize this specific entry area and its associated customs.
このアパートはげんかんが広いですね。
(Kono apāto wa genkan ga hiroi desu ne.)
This apartment's entrance hall is spacious, isn't it?
Even in modern Japanese homes, the genkan remains a crucial element. It helps to keep the interior of the home clean from outdoor dirt and acts as a clear boundary between public and private space. This tradition extends beyond residential buildings to many traditional businesses, schools, and even some hospitals, where you might also be expected to remove your shoes.
Mastering the use of げんかん and understanding its cultural implications will greatly enhance your ability to communicate naturally in Japanese and show respect for Japanese customs. It's a simple word with significant cultural weight.
§ Understanding げんかん (genkan)
The Japanese word げんかん (genkan) refers to the entrance hall or foyer of a Japanese home, school, or workplace. It's more than just a place to enter; it's a significant cultural space with specific customs.
- Meaning
- entrance hall; foyer
§ げんかん (genkan) at Home
In a Japanese home, the げんかん (genkan) is the first area you step into after opening the front door. It typically has a lower floor level than the rest of the house, which serves as a clear indicator of where to remove your shoes. There's often a shoe rack (下駄箱 - げたばこ, getabako) for storing footwear.
家に帰ったら、げんかんで靴を脱ぎます。
When I get home, I take off my shoes in the entrance hall.
げんかんに傘を置いてください。
Please leave your umbrella in the foyer.
§ げんかん (genkan) at School
Japanese schools also have a prominent げんかん (genkan). Students typically have their own shoe lockers (下駄箱 - げたばこ, getabako) where they change from outdoor shoes to indoor shoes (上履き - うわばき, uwabaki).
学校のげんかんで上履きに履き替えます。
At the school's entrance hall, we change into our indoor shoes.
§ げんかん (genkan) at Work/Other Buildings
While not always as pronounced as in homes or schools, many Japanese businesses, traditional restaurants, and public facilities also maintain a げんかん (genkan) area where visitors are expected to remove their shoes. This is especially true for places with tatami mat rooms.
旅館のげんかんでスリッパに履き替えました。
I changed into slippers in the ryokan's (traditional inn) entrance.
§ Why is げんかん (genkan) important?
The げんかん (genkan) serves several practical and cultural purposes:
- It keeps the inside of the building clean by preventing dirt from outdoor shoes from being tracked inside.
- It acts as a transition zone between the outside world and the private, clean space inside.
- It's a place for greeting guests and a first impression of a home or establishment.
§ Understanding Genkan vs. Entrance
Many learners, especially those new to Japanese culture, often confuse げんかん (genkan) with a simple "entrance" or "foyer" in their own language. While it translates to these terms, the function and cultural significance of a げんかん are very specific in Japan. It's not just a doorway; it's a dedicated space with its own rules and etiquette.
- DEFINITION
- げんかん (genkan) is the traditional Japanese entrance area where people remove their shoes before entering the main living space. It typically includes a step up from the outdoor level to the indoor level.
The biggest mistake is treating the げんかん like any other entrance where you just walk in. In Japan, the げんかん is where the transition from outside to inside happens, marked by the removal of shoes. Failing to remove your shoes here is considered a significant cultural faux pas.
§ Forgetting Shoe Etiquette
A common pitfall is misunderstanding the precise shoe etiquette. It's not enough to just take off your shoes; you need to do it correctly. This involves turning your shoes to face the door after removal, so they are ready to be put on when you leave. Also, remember to step up into the house, never bringing your outside shoes onto the elevated floor.
§ Misusing the Space
Some learners might incorrectly assume the げんかん is just a place to store items like coats or bags in a casual manner. While it can have a small storage area, its primary purpose is the shoe-changing ritual. Cluttering the げんかん with many personal items can disrupt its functionality and appearance.
どうぞ、げんかんで靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes in the entrance hall.
Another common error is to think of the げんかん as a waiting area where you can linger. While you might briefly wait there, the expectation is to proceed into the home once shoes are removed. It's not typically a place for extended conversations.
§ Ignoring "Slippers for Genkan"
In some Japanese homes, you might find specific slippers designated for use *only* within the げんかん, particularly if the げんかん itself is larger or has a slightly different setup. These are different from the house slippers worn inside the main living areas and toilet slippers. Mixing these up can be awkward.
Inside house slippers: For general use within the house (excluding toilets).
Toilet slippers: Specifically for the toilet area.
Genkan slippers: Less common, but if present, used only within the げんかん space itself before stepping up into the main house.
§ Direct Translation Trap
Relying solely on a direct English translation like "entrance hall" can lead to misunderstandings. While accurate in a literal sense, it doesn't convey the cultural depth and behavioral expectations associated with the Japanese げんかん. Always remember that the concept carries more weight than just the words themselves.
To avoid mistakes, think of げんかん not just as a place, but as a ritual space. It's where you transition from the 'outside world' to the 'inside world,' a shift that is physically and culturally marked by removing shoes and stepping up. Understanding this cultural context is key to correctly using and interacting with a げんかん.
How Formal Is It?
"お客様が玄関でお待ちです。"
"家に帰ると、まず玄関で靴を脱ぎます。"
"ねえ、げんかん、散らかってるよ。"
"お靴はげんかんでぬごうね。"
""
Fun Fact
In many traditional Japanese homes, the genkan is slightly lower than the rest of the house, indicating where shoes should be removed before stepping up into the main living area.
Pronunciation Guide
- short
Difficulty Rating
Short word, common hiragana.
Short word, common hiragana.
Simple pronunciation.
Clear pronunciation, common word.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Japanese nouns do not have singular or plural forms. The context of the sentence indicates whether it's singular or plural.
げんかんがあります (There is an entrance hall.) / げんかんがたくさんあります (There are many entrance halls.)
The particle 'に' (ni) is often used to indicate location or existence, similar to 'in' or 'at'.
げんかんにいます (I am in the entrance hall.)
The particle 'の' (no) can be used to show possession or to connect two nouns, where the first noun modifies the second.
うちのげんかん (My house's entrance hall / the entrance hall of the house.)
When describing the state of an object in a location, you can use 'が' (ga) with 'あります' (arimasu) for inanimate objects or 'います' (imasu) for animate objects.
げんかんにくつがあります (There are shoes in the entrance hall.)
To ask 'where is' something, you use 'どこにありますか' (doko ni arimasu ka) for inanimate objects or 'どこにいますか' (doko ni imasu ka) for animate objects.
げんかんはどこにありますか (Where is the entrance hall?)
Examples by Level
げんかんでくつをぬぎます。
I take off my shoes at the entrance hall.
げんかんにはいってください。
Please come into the entrance hall.
これはわたしのいえのげんかんです。
This is the entrance hall of my house.
げんかんのドアはどこですか。
Where is the entrance hall door?
げんかんはひろいですか。
Is the entrance hall spacious?
げんかんにかばんをおきます。
I'll put my bag in the entrance hall.
げんかんでまってください。
Please wait in the entrance hall.
げんかんにだれかいますか。
Is anyone in the entrance hall?
げんかんでくつをぬいでください。
Please take off your shoes in the entrance hall.
わたしのいえのげんかんはひろいです。
The entrance hall of my house is spacious.
ともだちがげんかんでまっていました。
My friend was waiting in the foyer.
かぎをげんかんにおきました。
I put the key in the entrance hall.
げんかんであいさつをします。
We greet each other in the entrance hall.
このアパートのげんかんはせまいです。
This apartment's foyer is narrow.
あめがふっていたので、げんかんでかさをとりました。
It was raining, so I took an umbrella from the entrance hall.
げんかんにかぞくのしゃしんがあります。
There are family photos in the entrance hall.
げんかんでくつをぬいでください。
Please take off your shoes in the entrance hall.
このいえはげんかんがおおきいですね。
This house has a large entrance hall, doesn't it?
きゃくがげんかんでまっています。
A guest is waiting in the entrance hall.
げんかんにかぎをおきました。
I put the keys in the entrance hall.
あめがふっているから、かさをげんかんに置いてね。
It's raining, so leave your umbrella in the entrance hall.
げんかんからきれいなけしきがみえます。
You can see a beautiful view from the entrance hall.
あたらしいげんかんマットをかいました。
I bought a new entrance hall mat.
げんかんでともだちとわかれました。
I said goodbye to my friend in the entrance hall.
げんかんのかぎをわすれたので、なかにはいれませんでした。
I forgot the key to the entrance hall, so I couldn't get in.
おおきなげんかんがあるいえにすみたいです。
I want to live in a house with a large entrance hall.
げんかんでくつをぬいでください。
Please take off your shoes in the entrance hall.
ともだちがげんかんのドアをノックしました。
My friend knocked on the entrance hall door.
このアパートのげんかんはいつもきれいです。
The entrance hall of this apartment is always clean.
げんかんにかさをかけましょう。
Let's hang our umbrellas in the entrance hall.
あたらしいげんかんマットをかいました。
I bought a new entrance hall mat.
げんかんでおきゃくさんをむかえます。
I greet guests in the entrance hall.
夜遅くげんかんで物音がしたので、恐る恐る扉を開けてみました。
Late at night, I heard a sound in the entrance hall, so I timidly opened the door.
新しいげんかんの照明は、以前のものよりずっと明るくて、夜でも安心して出入りできます。
The new entrance hall lighting is much brighter than before, so I can go in and out with peace of mind even at night.
大勢の来客があった日は、げんかんの靴が散乱していて、片付けるのが大変でした。
On the day we had many guests, shoes were scattered all over the entrance hall, and it was hard to tidy up.
げんかんの飾り棚には、旅行で訪れた国々の民芸品がずらりと並べられています。
On the decorative shelf in the entrance hall, folk crafts from various countries I've visited are neatly displayed.
引っ越してきて初めての冬、げんかんからの冷たい隙間風に悩まされました。
In the first winter after moving in, I was bothered by the cold draft from the entrance hall.
子供たちがげんかんで遊ぶのが好きなので、滑りにくいマットを敷いています。
My children like to play in the entrance hall, so I've laid down a non-slip mat.
このアパートは、各部屋が独立したげんかんを持っており、プライバシーが保たれます。
This apartment has independent entrance halls for each room, ensuring privacy.
来客時はげんかんで靴を脱ぎ、スリッパに履き替えるのが日本の習慣です。
When guests visit, it's a Japanese custom to take off shoes in the entrance hall and change into slippers.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
げんかんでくつをぬぐ。
Take off shoes in the entrance hall.
おかえりなさい、げんかんでまっていましたよ。
Welcome home, I was waiting in the entrance hall.
げんかんにかぎをかけた。
Locked the entrance hall door.
げんかんでおきゃくさまをむかえる。
Greet guests in the entrance hall.
げんかんにはいるとすぐ、においがした。
As soon as I entered the entrance hall, I smelled something.
げんかんをあけてください。
Please open the entrance hall door.
げんかんにかばんをおいた。
Put the bag in the entrance hall.
げんかんはいつもきれいにしています。
I always keep the entrance hall clean.
げんかんにたくさんのくつがある。
There are many shoes in the entrance hall.
げんかんでおみやげをわたした。
Handed over the souvenir in the entrance hall.
Often Confused With
Used when leaving your home. 'I'm leaving (and will be back).'
Response to 'ittekimasu.' 'Go and come back safely.' or 'See you later.'
A general 'excuse me,' 'sorry,' or 'thank you,' not specifically for entering/leaving a home.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"げんかんでおまちください"
Please wait in the entrance hall.
ごめんください、田中ですが、げんかんでおまちください。 (Excuse me, it's Tanaka, please wait in the entrance hall.)
neutral"げんかんにはいる"
To enter the entrance hall.
ただいま、げんかんにはいるよ。 (I'm home, entering the entrance hall now.)
neutral"げんかんをあける"
To open the entrance hall door.
誰か来たみたい、げんかんをあけてくれる？ (Someone seems to be here, can you open the entrance hall door?)
neutral"げんかんにくつをおく"
To put shoes in the entrance hall.
げんかんにくつをおいてください。 (Please put your shoes in the entrance hall.)
neutral"げんかんをそうじする"
To clean the entrance hall.
今日はげんかんをそうじする日だ。 (Today is the day to clean the entrance hall.)
neutral"げんかんにおきゃくさんをむかえる"
To welcome a guest at the entrance hall.
げんかんにおきゃくさんをむかえにいく。 (I'm going to welcome the guest at the entrance hall.)
neutral"げんかんのどあをしめる"
To close the entrance hall door.
寒いから、げんかんのどあをしめてください。 (It's cold, so please close the entrance hall door.)
neutral"げんかんではきものをぬぐ"
To take off shoes in the entrance hall.
日本の家では、げんかんではきものをぬぐのがマナーです。 (In Japanese houses, it's good manners to take off your shoes in the entrance hall.)
neutral"げんかんのかぎをかける"
To lock the entrance hall door.
でかける前に、げんかんのかぎをかけましたか？ (Did you lock the entrance hall door before leaving?)
neutral"げんかんにかざりをつける"
To decorate the entrance hall.
クリスマスだから、げんかんにかざりをつける。 (It's Christmas, so I'm decorating the entrance hall.)
neutralEasily Confused
Often confused with a general greeting or 'excuse me.'
This phrase is specifically used when entering someone's home or private space as a guest. It politely acknowledges that you are intruding on their space.
「どうぞ、お上がりください。」「はい、おじゃまします。」 (”Douzo, oagari kudasai.” “Hai, ojamashimasu.”) - "Please, come in." "Yes, excuse me for intruding."
Sounds similar to 'ojamashimasu' but used in a different context.
This is used when *leaving* someone's home. It's the past tense of 'ojamashimasu' and expresses gratitude for their hospitality and apologizes for the intrusion.
「そろそろ失礼します。」「おじゃましました。」 (”Sorosoro shitsurei shimasu.” “Ojamashimashita.”) - "I should be going soon." "Thank you for having me (lit. I have intruded)."
Learners often think it means 'hello' or 'I'm here.'
This is what you say when you return home. It announces your arrival back to your own residence. It's an informal greeting to those inside the house.
「ただいま！」 (”Tadaima!”) - "I'm home!"
Similar to 'tadaima' but said by a different person.
This is the response given to someone who has just said 'tadaima.' It means 'welcome home' or 'welcome back.'
「ただいま！」「おかえり！」 (”Tadaima!” “Okaeri!”) - "I'm home!" "Welcome home!"
Sometimes just translated as 'door' or 'entryway.'
While it's the entrance, it's more specific. The 'genkan' is the entrance hall where you take off your shoes before stepping into the main living area of a Japanese home.
「玄関で靴を脱いでください。」 (”Genkan de kutsu o nuide kudasai.”) - "Please take off your shoes in the genkan (entrance hall)."
Sentence Patterns
ここはげんかんです。
Koko wa genkan desu. (This is the entrance hall.)
げんかんにくつがあります。
Genkan ni kutsu ga arimasu. (There are shoes in the entrance hall.)
げんかんでくつをぬぎます。
Genkan de kutsu o nugimasu. (You take off your shoes in the entrance hall.)
おおきいげんかんです。
Ōkii genkan desu. (It's a big entrance hall.)
わたしのいえのげんかんはひろいです。
Watashi no ie no genkan wa hiroi desu. (The entrance hall of my house is spacious.)
げんかんにはいるまえに、どうぞ。
Genkan ni hairu mae ni, dōzo. (Please, before entering the entrance hall.)
げんかんでおまちください。
Genkan de omachi kudasai. (Please wait in the entrance hall.)
げんかんにかばんをおいてください。
Genkan ni kaban o oite kudasai. (Please put your bag in the entrance hall.)
How to Use It
The Japanese word for 'entrance hall' or 'foyer' is げんかん (genkan). This is a common feature in Japanese homes and buildings. It's the area right inside the main door where you take off your shoes.
A common mistake is to confuse げんかん (genkan) with a regular 'hallway' or 'corridor' (廊下 - rōka). While both are in the entrance area, the genkan specifically refers to the lower area where shoes are removed, and typically has a step up into the main living space. Don't use げんかん for any general hall; it's specifically for the shoe-removing entrance.
Tips
Genkan: Japanese Entrance
The げんかん (genkan) is the first area you step into when entering a Japanese home or building. It's more than just an entrance; it's a transition space.
Removing Shoes in the Genkan
In the genkan, it's customary to remove your shoes. There's usually a small step up from the genkan floor to the main living area, signaling where to take your shoes off.
Shoe Storage in Genkan
You'll often find a shoe cabinet (下駄箱 - getabako) in the genkan. This is where you neatly store your shoes after taking them off.
Don't Step Beyond Genkan with Shoes
It's considered impolite to step beyond the genkan area into the main house with your outdoor shoes on. Always remove them.
Guest Slippers in Genkan
Some homes provide guest slippers in the genkan for visitors to wear inside the house after removing their shoes.
Genkan Usage in Public Buildings
While most common in homes, you'll also see genkan-like areas in some traditional restaurants, temples, and schools where shoe removal is required.
Talking About Your Genkan
When describing your home, you can say 「私の家には広いげんかんがあります。」(Watashi no uchi ni wa hiroi genkan ga arimasu.) meaning 'My house has a spacious genkan.'
Asking About the Genkan
If you're unsure where to take off your shoes, you can ask 「げんかんはどこですか？」(Genkan wa doko desu ka?) meaning 'Where is the entrance hall?'
Genkan and Omotenashi
The genkan plays a role in omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), as it's the first welcoming space for guests and reflects the cleanliness of the home.
Visualizing Genkan
Think of the genkan as a small landing area just inside the front door, usually at a slightly lower level than the rest of the house.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'GENtle KANgaroo' waiting for you in the entrance hall, ready to greet you.
Visual Association
Picture a typical Japanese genkan with rows of shoes neatly lined up, and maybe a small plant or a shelf for keys. Focus on the low-level area where shoes are removed.
Word Web
Challenge
Next time you enter your own home, pretend it's a 'genkan' and practice saying 'げんかんでくつをぬぎます' (Genkan de kutsu o nugimasu - I take off my shoes in the entrance hall).
Word Origin
玄関 (genkan) has its roots in Zen Buddhism, originally referring to the entrance of a Zen temple.
Original meaning: The character '玄' (gen) means 'profound' or 'mysterious,' and '関' (kan) means 'barrier' or 'gate.' So, 'genkan' originally meant a 'profound gate' or 'mysterious entrance,' signifying a transition from the secular world to the spiritual world.
Sino-Japanese (kanji adopted from Chinese)Cultural Context
The genkan serves as a crucial transition space in a Japanese home, separating the outside world from the clean, private living areas. It's where shoes are removed and neatly arranged, a practice deeply ingrained in Japanese etiquette and hygiene. This area often includes a shoe cabinet (getabako) and a small step up into the main part of the house, symbolizing the transition from the 'dirty' outside to the 'clean' inside. It's also the primary place for greeting guests and receiving deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThat's a good question! A 玄関 (genkan) isn't just an entryway; it's a specific area in Japanese homes and some other buildings where people remove their shoes before entering the main living space. It often has a step up from the lower shoe-removing area to the higher floor of the house. So, while it's an entryway, it serves a distinct cultural purpose beyond just being a door.
Pretty much! Most traditional and even modern Japanese homes will have a 玄関 (genkan). It's a fundamental part of Japanese house design due to the custom of taking off shoes indoors. You'll also find them in some schools, temples, and other public buildings.
When you enter a 玄関 (genkan), you'll typically take off your shoes and place them neatly facing the door, ready for when you leave. There's often a shoe rack or cupboard called a 下駄箱 (getabako) where you can store them. Then, you step up onto the main floor of the house.
Yes, it's considered very rude to not take off your shoes in the 玄関 (genkan) when entering a Japanese home. It's a strong cultural custom tied to cleanliness and respect for the home. Always remove your shoes!
Often, yes! Many Japanese homes provide slippers (スリッパ - surippa) for guests to wear inside the house after taking off their outdoor shoes. This is especially true if you're entering a more formal space or if the floors are cold. Just remember not to wear these house slippers into the bathroom – there are usually separate bathroom slippers!
While 'entrance' is the general English translation, using 玄関 (genkan) is more specific and culturally accurate when talking about a Japanese setting. It implies the whole shoe-removing ritual. So, if you're talking about a Japanese home, it's better to use 玄関 (genkan).
Here are a few:
- 玄関で靴を脱いでください。 (Genkan de kutsu o nuide kudasai.) Please take off your shoes at the entrance hall.
- 友達が玄関に立っています。 (Tomodachi ga genkan ni tatte imasu.) My friend is standing in the entrance hall.
- この家には広い玄関があります。 (Kono ie ni wa hiroi genkan ga arimasu.) This house has a spacious entrance hall.
Typically, yes. The 玄関 (genkan) is usually located at the main entrance of a house or building. It's the first space you step into from outside.
It's pronounced gen-kahn. The 'g' is like in 'go', the 'e' is like in 'bed', the 'n' is a light 'n' sound, and 'kan' is like 'khan' as in 'Genghis Khan'.
While most commonly associated with homes, you can also find a 玄関 (genkan) in some traditional inns (旅館 - ryokan), temples, and even some older schools or workplaces in Japan. Anywhere where the custom of removing shoes is practiced indoors, you'll likely encounter a 玄関 (genkan).
Test Yourself 144 questions
家に帰って、私は靴を___で脱ぎます。
家に帰ったら、靴は玄関で脱ぐのが一般的です。'リビング'は居間、'キッチン'は台所、'寝室'は寝る部屋です。
お客さんが来たら、まず___で迎えます。
お客さんを最初に迎える場所は玄関です。'庭'はガーデン、'お風呂'はバスルーム、'トイレ'はトイレです。
雨の日は、傘を___に置きます。
雨の日に濡れた傘を置くのは玄関です。'冷蔵庫'は冷蔵庫、'テレビ'はテレビ、'本棚'は本棚です。
日本の家では、___で靴を脱ぐ習慣があります。
日本の家屋では、玄関で靴を脱ぐのが習慣です。'ベッド'はベッド、'机'はデスク、'椅子'はチェアです。
あなたの家の___は広いですか、狭いですか？
家の広さを尋ねる文脈で、玄関の広さについて聞くのが自然です。'窓'は窓、'壁'は壁、'ドア'はドアです。
私は毎日、家を出る前に___で靴を履きます。
家を出る際に靴を履くのは玄関で行います。'ベランダ'はバルコニー、'庭'はガーデン、'屋根'はルーフです。
Which word means 'entrance hall' or 'foyer'?
げんかん (genkan) specifically refers to the entrance hall or foyer in a Japanese house, where shoes are typically removed.
If you are told to take off your shoes at the 'げんかん', where are you?
The げんかん is the entrance area of a Japanese home where one removes their shoes.
Which sentence correctly uses げんかん?
It is customary to take off your shoes (くつをぬぎます) in the げんかん.
げんかん is a place where you typically eat food in Japan.
The げんかん is an entrance area; meals are eaten in other rooms like the dining room.
When entering a Japanese home, you usually take off your shoes in the げんかん.
It is a common Japanese custom to remove shoes in the げんかん upon entering a home.
げんかん refers to the garden outside a Japanese house.
げんかん specifically means the entrance hall or foyer, not the garden.
Listen and identify the word for 'entrance hall'.
Listen and understand the question 'Where is the entrance hall?'
Listen and understand the statement 'This is the entrance hall.'
Read this aloud:
げんかん
Focus: gen-kan
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Read this aloud:
げんかんはどこですか？
Focus: gen-kan wa doko desu ka?
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Read this aloud:
これはげんかんです。
Focus: kore wa gen-kan desu.
You said:
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家に帰って、靴を___で脱ぎます。
When you return home, you take off your shoes in the 'entrance hall' or 'foyer', which is げんかん.
お客さんが来たら、まず___で迎えます。
When guests arrive, you first greet them at the 'entrance hall' or 'foyer', which is げんかん.
このアパートの___はとても広いです。
The 'entrance hall' or 'foyer' of this apartment is very spacious. げんかん means entrance hall.
傘は___に置いてください。
Please put the umbrella in the 'entrance hall' or 'foyer', which is げんかん.
彼の家の___には、きれいな花が飾ってあります。
In the 'entrance hall' or 'foyer' of his house, beautiful flowers are displayed. げんかん means entrance hall.
日本家屋では、___で靴を脱ぐのが習慣です。
In Japanese houses, it's customary to take off your shoes in the 'entrance hall' or 'foyer', which is げんかん.
Which of these is typically found inside the entrance of a Japanese house?
The げんかん (genkan) is the traditional Japanese entrance hall where people take off their shoes.
When you enter a Japanese house, where would you typically remove your shoes?
In Japan, it's customary to remove your shoes in the げんかん (genkan) before stepping into the main living area.
What is the English equivalent of げんかん?
げんかん (genkan) directly translates to entrance hall or foyer.
You should wear your shoes past the げんかん (genkan) in a Japanese house.
It is customary to remove your shoes in the げんかん (genkan) and not wear them further into the house.
The げんかん (genkan) is typically a large, open area at the back of a house.
The げんかん (genkan) is at the front entrance of a house, not the back.
The Japanese word for 'entrance hall' is げんかん (genkan).
げんかん (genkan) indeed means 'entrance hall' or 'foyer' in Japanese.
The umbrella is in the entrance hall.
Please, come into the entrance hall.
I will clean the entrance hall.
Read this aloud:
げんかんにくつをぬいでください。
Focus: げんかん (genkan)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
ここはげんかんです。
Focus: ここは (koko wa)
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Read this aloud:
げんかんにいすがありますか。
Focus: いすがありますか (isu ga arimasu ka)
You said:
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This sentence means 'I am in the entrance hall.'
This means 'This is my entrance hall.'
This sentence means 'The entrance hall is spacious.'
家に帰ったら、まず___で靴を脱ぎます。
When you return home, you first take off your shoes in the entrance hall (げんかん).
彼は___で傘を立てかけています。
He is leaning his umbrella in the entrance hall (げんかん).
友達が来たので、私は___まで迎えに行った。
My friend arrived, so I went to the entrance hall (げんかん) to greet them.
このアパートの___はとても広いです。
The entrance hall (げんかん) of this apartment is very spacious.
郵便配達員が___に荷物を置いていった。
The mail carrier left the package in the entrance hall (げんかん).
新しい靴を___に置きました。
I put my new shoes in the entrance hall (げんかん).
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 私は家に着くと、まず靴を___に置きます。
In Japanese homes, shoes are typically removed and placed in the 'genkan' (entrance hall) upon entering.
Which of these places is specifically designed for removing shoes when entering a Japanese house?
The 'genkan' is the traditional entry area in Japanese homes where shoes are taken off.
If someone asks you to 'げんかんへどうぞ' (genkan e dōzo), what are they asking you to do?
'げんかんへどうぞ' literally means 'please come to the entrance hall'.
In a Japanese home, guests usually take off their shoes in the げんかん (genkan).
It is customary to remove shoes in the genkan before entering the main living space in a Japanese home.
The げんかん (genkan) is typically the main dining area in a Japanese house.
The genkan is the entrance hall, not the dining area. The dining area is typically in the kitchen or living room.
If someone says 'げんかんにかさを置いてください' (genkan ni kasa o oite kudasai), they want you to put your umbrella in the living room.
'げんかん ni kasa o oite kudasai' means 'please put your umbrella in the genkan (entrance hall)'.
You are describing your new apartment to a friend. Write 2-3 sentences about what you do when you first enter your apartment, mentioning the 'genkan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の新しいアパートには広いげんかんがあります。家に入る前に、そこで靴を脱ぎます。とても便利ですよ。
Imagine you are giving directions to a delivery person. Write a short sentence telling them to leave the package in the 'genkan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
荷物はげんかんに置いてください。
You are explaining Japanese customs to a foreign friend. Write a sentence explaining that you usually take off your shoes in the 'genkan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本では、たいていげんかんで靴を脱ぎます。
この文章によると、日本では家に入る前に何をしますか？
Read this passage:
日本の家では、げんかんはとても大切な場所です。家に入る前に靴を脱ぎ、きれいにしてから家の中に入ります。お客さんが来たときも、げんかんで靴を脱ぐのが一般的です。
この文章によると、日本では家に入る前に何をしますか？
文章に「家に入る前に靴を脱ぎ」と書かれています。
文章に「家に入る前に靴を脱ぎ」と書かれています。
田中さんが新しいアパートのどこを気に入っていますか？
Read this passage:
友達の田中さんは、最近引っ越しました。新しいアパートは少し古いですが、げんかんが広くて明るいので気に入っています。友達を招くのが楽しみだと言っていました。
田中さんが新しいアパートのどこを気に入っていますか？
文章に「げんかんが広くて明るいので気に入っています」と書かれています。
文章に「げんかんが広くて明るいので気に入っています」と書かれています。
この人は出かける前にげんかんで何をしますか？
Read this passage:
出かける前に、私はいつもげんかんで鍵と財布をチェックします。忘れることが多いので、必ず確認する習慣です。今日も忘れ物がないか確認してから出かけました。
この人は出かける前にげんかんで何をしますか？
文章に「私はいつもげんかんで鍵と財布をチェックします」と書かれています。
文章に「私はいつもげんかんで鍵と財布をチェックします」と書かれています。
This sentence means 'Please put the umbrella in the entrance hall.'
This sentence means 'My friend is waiting in the entrance hall.'
This sentence means 'It's a new entrance hall door.'
日本の家では、靴を脱いでから___に入るのが一般的です。
日本の文化では、家に上がる前に玄関で靴を脱ぎます。
郵便配達員が来たので、私は___に出て応対しました。
郵便配達員は通常、家の入口、つまり玄関に来ます。
引っ越しの際、大きな家具を運ぶために___のドアを外しました。
大きな家具を搬入する際には、玄関のドアを一時的に外すことがあります。
お客様がいらっしゃるときは、___をきれいに掃除しておもてなしの準備をします。
お客様を迎える際、家の第一印象となる玄関をきれいにすることが大切です。
傘立ては通常、雨の日に備えて___に置かれています。
傘は外出時に使うものなので、玄関に置かれるのが一般的です。
泥だらけの靴で___に入ってしまい、母に叱られました。
日本では玄関で靴を脱ぐ習慣があるため、泥だらけの靴で上がることは避けられます。
来客のために、[ ]をきれいに掃除しました。
The sentence talks about cleaning a place for guests. The entrance hall (げんかん) is the most appropriate place for guests to enter.
新しいアパートは[ ]が広くて、靴をたくさん置けます。
The sentence mentions a place where you can put many shoes in a new apartment. The entrance hall (げんかん) is typically where shoes are stored in Japanese homes.
彼は傘を[ ]に立てかけておいた。
The sentence describes leaning an umbrella against something. The entrance hall (げんかん) is the common place for umbrellas to be left in Japanese homes.
日本家屋では、げんかんに入るときに靴を脱ぐのが一般的だ。
It is customary in Japanese homes to remove shoes in the entrance hall (げんかん) before entering the living space.
げんかんは通常、家の最も奥まった場所にある。
The entrance hall (げんかん) is typically at the front of the house, not the furthest back.
日本のげんかんには、靴を脱ぎ履きするための低い段差があることが多い。
Many Japanese entrance halls (げんかん) feature a step down from the main living area, which serves as a transition space for removing and putting on shoes.
Listen for where guests are greeted.
Listen for where shoes should be taken off.
Listen for what is being described as inconvenient about the entrance.
Read this aloud:
げんかんでお待ちしております。
Focus: げんかん (genkan)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
げんかんに傘を置いてください。
Focus: 置いてください (oite kudasai)
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Read this aloud:
この家はげんかんが広いですね。
Focus: 広いですね (hiroi desu ne)
You said:
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Imagine you are describing your house to a new Japanese friend. Write a few sentences about what the 'genkan' is like and what you do there when you come home.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の家のげんかんは少し狭いですが、いつもきれいにしています。家に帰ると、まずげんかんで靴を脱ぎます。
You are giving instructions to a delivery person. Write a short note telling them where to leave a package if you're not home, specifically mentioning the 'genkan' area.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
もし私が留守でしたら、荷物をげんかんの横に置いてください。ありがとうございます。
Describe a common Japanese custom related to the 'genkan' that might be unfamiliar to someone from your country. Explain why it's done.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本のげんかんには、家に入る前に靴を脱ぐという大切な習慣があります。これは家の中を清潔に保つためです。
この文章から、げんかんについて正しい記述はどれですか？
Read this passage:
日本の伝統的な家では、げんかんは単なる入り口ではありません。家の内外を区切る重要な空間であり、来客をもてなす最初の場所でもあります。多くの家では、げんかんに靴を置くための棚があり、訪問者はここで靴を脱ぎ、スリッパに履き替えます。
この文章から、げんかんについて正しい記述はどれですか？
文章には「家の内外を区切る重要な空間」とあります。
文章には「家の内外を区切る重要な空間」とあります。
この話で、彼女が戸惑った理由はなぜですか？
Read this passage:
彼女が友人の家を訪れた時、げんかんで少し戸惑いました。友人は「靴を脱いで上がってね」と言いましたが、彼女は自分の靴をどこに置けばいいか分からなかったのです。結局、友人が靴箱の場所を教えてくれました。
この話で、彼女が戸惑った理由はなぜですか？
文章には「彼女は自分の靴をどこに置けばいいか分からなかったのです」とあります。
文章には「彼女は自分の靴をどこに置けばいいか分からなかったのです」とあります。
マンションのげんかんについて、この文章が示している問題点は何ですか？
Read this passage:
最近、多くのマンションでは、げんかんの収納スペースが限られています。そのため、靴だけでなく、傘やベビーカーなどを置くスペースに困ることも少なくありません。設計者は、この限られた空間をいかに有効に使うか、常に工夫しています。
マンションのげんかんについて、この文章が示している問題点は何ですか？
文章には「げんかんの収納スペースが限られています」とあり、そのために「スペースに困る」と述べられています。
文章には「げんかんの収納スペースが限られています」とあり、そのために「スペースに困る」と述べられています。
This sentence means 'Please take off your shoes in the entrance hall.' The particles 'で' (in/at) and 'を' (direct object marker) are important here.
This sentence means 'This apartment has a very spacious entrance hall.' 'は' marks the topic, 'とても' is an intensifier, and '広い' means spacious.
This sentence means 'As soon as you enter the house, the entrance hall comes into view.' 'と' here indicates a natural consequence, and '目に入る' means 'to come into view' or 'to catch sight of'.
来客のために、母はいつも___をきれいにしている。
The sentence implies a place where guests are received and kept clean, which is typically the entrance hall (玄関).
この家は___が広々としていて、開放感がある。
The sentence describes a spacious area that gives a sense of openness. '玄関' (entrance hall) fits this description well.
雪が降った日は、___で靴を脱いでから家に入る。
It's customary in Japan to take off shoes at the entrance hall (玄関) before entering the house, especially on snowy days.
新しいマンションは、デザイン性の高い___が特徴だ。
The sentence talks about a feature of a new apartment building that is highly designed. The '玄関' (entrance hall) can often be a focal point of design.
鍵を___の棚に置いたまま、出かけてしまった。
Keys are typically kept near the entrance (玄関) for convenience when leaving or returning home.
訪問者は___で名前を告げ、中に案内されるのを待つ。
Visitors announce their names and wait to be invited inside at the entrance hall (玄関).
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は玄関に___を置いた。
靴 (shoes) is the most common item to be placed in a 玄関 (genkan/entrance hall).
Which of the following activities is most likely to happen in a 玄関?
In Japan, it is customary to take off your shoes in the 玄関 before entering the main living space.
Identify the situation where you would typically use the word 玄関.
The 玄関 is the entrance hall of a house.
日本では、玄関で靴を履いたまま家の中に入るのが一般的である。
In Japan, it is customary to remove your shoes in the 玄関 (entrance hall) before entering the house. Entering with shoes on is considered impolite.
玄関は、日本の家屋において、外と室内を隔てる重要な空間である。
The 玄関 (genkan) serves as a transition space between the outside and the inside of a Japanese house, often involving removing shoes and greeting guests.
ホテルのロビーは、日本の家屋の玄関と同じ役割を果たす。
While both are entryways, a hotel lobby (ホテルのロビー) has a different function and cultural significance than a Japanese residential 玄関 (genkan). The genkan is specifically for a house and involves the custom of removing shoes.
The family is taking off their shoes...
The guest is knocking...
Is there an umbrella stand...?
Read this aloud:
玄関に荷物を置いてください。
Focus: 玄関 (genkan)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
この家には広い玄関があります。
Focus: 広い (hiroi)
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Read this aloud:
玄関でスリッパに履き替えてください。
Focus: 履き替えて (hakikaete)
You said:
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Imagine you are describing your ideal Japanese house to a friend. Describe the 'genkan' in detail, including what you would do there and what items you would keep there. Use at least three sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の理想の家では、げんかんはとても広いです。そこでは、毎日靴を脱いで、傘を置く場所もあります。お客さんが来た時も、ゆったりと過ごせるようにしたいです。
You are writing an email to a new exchange student from Japan, explaining what to expect when entering a Japanese home for the first time. Focus on the customs related to the 'genkan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本の家に入る時は、まずげんかんで靴を脱ぐのが習慣です。靴はきれいに揃えて置き、それから家に上がります。これは日本の文化の一部なので、覚えておいてくださいね。
Write a short paragraph for a travel guide explaining the cultural significance of the 'genkan' in Japanese homes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
げんかんは日本の家において、外と内を分ける重要な境界線です。ここでは靴を脱ぎ、家の中を清潔に保つという日本の文化的な価値観が反映されています。訪問者はこの場所で家の雰囲気を最初に感じることになります。
この文章から、げんかんについて正しいのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
日本の伝統的な家屋では、げんかんは非常に重要な空間です。来客はここで靴を脱ぎ、家主は客を出迎えます。げんかんは単なる出入り口ではなく、外の世界と内側のプライベートな空間を隔てる境界線としての役割も果たしています。そのため、清潔に保たれていることが一般的です。
この文章から、げんかんについて正しいのはどれですか？
文章中に「外の世界と内側のプライベートな空間を隔てる境界線としての役割も果たしています」と明記されています。
文章中に「外の世界と内側のプライベートな空間を隔てる境界線としての役割も果たしています」と明記されています。
現代のマンションやアパートのげんかんについて、この文章から何がわかりますか？
Read this passage:
最近のマンションやアパートでは、スペースの都合上、げんかんが小さくなっている傾向があります。しかし、それでも靴を脱ぐスペースや、傘立てを置く場所は確保されています。機能性はそのままに、現代の住環境に合わせた形に変化しています。
現代のマンションやアパートのげんかんについて、この文章から何がわかりますか？
文章中に「スペースの都合上、げんかんが小さくなっている傾向があります。しかし、それでも靴を脱ぐスペースや、傘立てを置く場所は確保されています」とあります。
文章中に「スペースの都合上、げんかんが小さくなっている傾向があります。しかし、それでも靴を脱ぐスペースや、傘立てを置く場所は確保されています」とあります。
田中さんの家のげんかんについて、筆者はどのように感じていますか？
Read this passage:
友人の田中さんは、いつも彼の家のげんかんを季節の花で飾っています。それを見るたびに、彼の丁寧な暮らしぶりが感じられます。げんかんは、その家の顔とも言える場所なので、きれいに保つことはもちろん、個性的な飾り付けをする人も少なくありません。
田中さんの家のげんかんについて、筆者はどのように感じていますか？
文章中に「それを見るたびに、彼の丁寧な暮らしぶりが感じられます」と明記されています。
文章中に「それを見るたびに、彼の丁寧な暮らしぶりが感じられます」と明記されています。
家に帰ると、いつも犬が___で私を迎えてくれます。
The context implies a place where one is greeted upon returning home, which is typically the entrance hall (玄関).
お客様が来るときは、___をきれいに掃除しておくのが日本の習慣です。
In Japanese culture, it's customary to clean the entrance hall (玄関) when guests are expected.
彼のアパートは、___が広くて、たくさんの靴を置くことができます。
The sentence mentions having space for many shoes, which is characteristic of a spacious entrance hall (玄関) in a Japanese apartment.
日本の家では、___で靴を脱ぐのが一般的です。
It's common practice in Japanese homes to remove shoes in the entrance hall (玄関).
荷物が多かったので、___に一時的に置かせてもらいました。
When carrying a lot of luggage, the entrance hall (玄関) is a convenient place to temporarily set it down.
新しい家は、明るい日差しが差し込む___が自慢です。
A bright entrance hall (玄関) with sunlight is a desirable feature of a new house.
来客のために、華やかな花瓶を飾るのに最適な場所はどこですか？
お客様を歓迎する場所なので、玄関に飾るのが適切です。
冬の寒い日に、コートを脱いでどこに置きますか？
日本の家では、玄関で靴を脱ぐのと同様に、コートも玄関で脱ぎ、一時的に置くのが一般的です。
泥だらけの靴をきれいにするのは、どの場所の近くで行うべきですか？
家の中に汚れを持ち込まないように、玄関で靴をきれいにすることが望ましいです。
日本の伝統的な家屋では、玄関は通常、家の中央に位置しています。
玄関は通常、家の入り口に位置し、訪問者を迎えるための空間です。
訪問者が玄関に入ったとき、靴を脱ぐように促すのが一般的です。
日本の文化では、玄関で靴を脱ぐのがマナーです。
玄関に大きなソファを置くことは、日本の一般的な家のレイアウトでは普通です。
玄関は通常、靴の脱ぎ履きや来客対応のための比較的小さな空間で、大きな家具は置かれません。
You are hosting a foreign guest. Explain to them, in Japanese, the purpose and etiquette associated with the 'genkan' in a Japanese home. Focus on practical aspects like shoe removal and greeting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お客様、ここはげんかんです。家に入る前にここで靴を脱いでください。靴を揃えて、上がり框に上がってくださいね。日本の家では、げんかんで靴を脱ぐのが習慣です。どうぞ、ゆっくりしていってください。
Describe a common situation where someone might apologize for a messy 'genkan' to a visitor. Include what they might say and why it's considered impolite to have a cluttered genkan.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ああ、すみません。げんかんが散らかっていて申し訳ありません。いつもはもっときれいにしているんですが、今日はちょっとバタバタしていまして。げんかんは家の顔なので、きれいにしておくべきなんですが、お恥ずかしい限りです。
Imagine you are designing a modern Japanese house. Explain in Japanese, what considerations you would give to the 'genkan' area to make it both traditional and functional for contemporary living.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この家のげんかんは、伝統的な要素を残しつつ、現代のライフスタイルに合うようにデザインしました。例えば、靴の収納スペースを十分に取り、傘立てやコート掛けも設置しています。自然光を取り入れる工夫もして、明るく開放的な空間になるように心がけました。お客様が来た時に快適に過ごせるよう、座って靴を履けるベンチも置きました。
この文章から読み取れる、げんかんが持つ重要な役割は何ですか？
Read this passage:
日本の住宅において、げんかんは単なる出入り口以上の意味を持ちます。それは家の内と外を区切る境界であり、訪問者に対する第一印象を決定づける場所でもあります。そのため、多くの家庭ではげんかんを常にきれいに保ち、季節の飾り付けをするなどして、来客を温かく迎え入れる工夫を凝らしています。
この文章から読み取れる、げんかんが持つ重要な役割は何ですか？
文章には「家の内と外を区切る境界であり、訪問者に対する第一印象を決定づける場所」と明記されています。
文章には「家の内と外を区切る境界であり、訪問者に対する第一印象を決定づける場所」と明記されています。
このげんかんから、家主がどのような人物であると推測できますか？
Read this passage:
とある日本家屋のげんかんに足を踏み入れると、まず目に飛び込んできたのは、丁寧に磨かれた木の床と、季節の花が生けられた花瓶だった。上がり框の隣には、家族全員の靴がきちんと揃えられており、その清潔感と整然とした様子が、家全体の雰囲気を物語っていた。
このげんかんから、家主がどのような人物であると推測できますか？
「丁寧に磨かれた木の床」「季節の花が生けられた花瓶」「靴がきちんと揃えられており、その清潔感と整然とした様子」という描写から、家主が几帳面で清潔好きな人物であることが推測されます。
「丁寧に磨かれた木の床」「季節の花が生けられた花瓶」「靴がきちんと揃えられており、その清潔感と整然とした様子」という描写から、家主が几帳面で清潔好きな人物であることが推測されます。
マンションのげんかんで、特に重要視されている工夫は何ですか？
Read this passage:
近年のマンションでは、げんかんの広さが限られていることが多い。そのため、靴箱の収納力を高めたり、壁掛け式の収納を導入したりと、限られたスペースを有効活用するための工夫が求められている。また、ベビーカーやアウトドア用品などを置くスペースの確保も重要な課題となっている。
マンションのげんかんで、特に重要視されている工夫は何ですか？
文章には「限られたスペースを有効活用するための工夫が求められている」とあり、具体例として「靴箱の収納力を高めたり、壁掛け式の収納を導入したり」が挙げられています。
文章には「限られたスペースを有効活用するための工夫が求められている」とあり、具体例として「靴箱の収納力を高めたり、壁掛け式の収納を導入したり」が挙げられています。
This sentence means 'They took off their shoes in the entrance hall.' The particles で (de) and を (o) indicate location and direct object, respectively, helping to order the phrase correctly.
This means 'That old entrance hall tells a story of history.' The structure places the adjective 'old' before the noun 'entrance hall', followed by the subject marker は (wa).
This sentence means 'I greeted the guest in the entrance hall.' The object お客様 (okyaku-sama) comes first, followed by the location 玄関 (genkan) with the particle で (de), and then the verb お出迎えした (odemukae shita).
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Genkan: Japanese Entrance
The げんかん (genkan) is the first area you step into when entering a Japanese home or building. It's more than just an entrance; it's a transition space.
Removing Shoes in the Genkan
In the genkan, it's customary to remove your shoes. There's usually a small step up from the genkan floor to the main living area, signaling where to take your shoes off.
Shoe Storage in Genkan
You'll often find a shoe cabinet (下駄箱 - getabako) in the genkan. This is where you neatly store your shoes after taking them off.
Don't Step Beyond Genkan with Shoes
It's considered impolite to step beyond the genkan area into the main house with your outdoor shoes on. Always remove them.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
