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A2 noun #2,500 most common 6 min read

入り口

iriguchi
At the A1 level, you learn '入り口' (irikuchi) as a basic noun to identify where you enter a place. You will see it on signs at train stations and shops. You should be able to ask '入り口はどこですか？' (Where is the entrance?) and understand simple directions like 'あそこが入り口です' (That is the entrance). It is usually paired with simple location particles like 'に' and 'は'. You don't need to worry about complex kanji yet, but recognizing the shapes of 入 (enter) and 口 (mouth) is very helpful for navigating Japan.
At the A2 level, you begin to use '入り口' in more descriptive sentences. You can specify which entrance you mean, such as '北の入り口' (North entrance) or '地下鉄の入り口' (Subway entrance). You also learn to use it with verbs, like '入り口で待っています' (I am waiting at the entrance). You should understand the difference between '入り口' (general entrance) and '玄関' (genkan - home entryway). You might also encounter the written form '入口' on signs and understand it has the same meaning and reading.
At the B1 level, you can use '入り口' in more complex grammatical structures. You might describe the state of an entrance, such as '入り口が混んでいます' (The entrance is crowded) or '入り口が閉まっています' (The entrance is closed). You start to see the word used in compound nouns like '入り口付近' (near the entrance) or '非常口' (emergency exit - related concept). You can also handle more specific directions involving the entrance, such as '入り口の右側に受付があります' (There is a reception desk on the right side of the entrance).
At the B2 level, you understand the metaphorical and abstract uses of '入り口'. For example, '成功への入り口' (The entrance to success) or '学問の入り口' (The gateway to learning). You are comfortable with various formal and informal registers, knowing when to use '正面入り口' (Main entrance) in a business context. You also understand the nuances between '入り口' and more technical terms like '搬入口' (loading entrance) or '通用口' (side entrance) and can use them correctly in workplace scenarios.
At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of '入り口' in literature and formal discourse. You can appreciate how the word might be used to symbolize a transition between states of being or social spheres. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can distinguish '入り口' from highly specific architectural terms. You can discuss urban planning or architectural design using the term in relation to '動線' (flow of movement) and '空間構成' (spatial composition).
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '入り口'. You can use it in philosophical or highly technical contexts without hesitation. You understand its etymological roots and how it interacts with archaic or poetic language. You can analyze the use of '入り口' in classical literature or modern legal documents where precise definitions of entry points are required. Your usage is flawless across all registers, from casual slang to the most formal honorific Japanese.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

入り口 in 30 Seconds

  • Irikuchi means entrance.
  • Commonly seen on signs as 入口.
  • Opposite of deguchi (exit).
  • Used for both physical and metaphorical entry.

The word 入り口 (irikuchi) is a fundamental Japanese noun that primarily refers to an 'entrance,' 'entryway,' or 'opening' through which one enters a building, room, or enclosed space. It is a compound word formed from the verb stem of 入る (hairu - to enter) and the noun 口 (kuchi - mouth/opening). This literal combination of 'entering mouth' perfectly encapsulates the physical reality of a threshold. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the beginning or start of a process or a metaphorical gateway to a new experience.

Physical Structure
Refers to doors, gates, or any designated point of entry into a physical location like a station, park, or house.
Abstract Entry
Used to describe the starting point of a path, a tunnel, or even the introductory phase of a complex subject.
Digital Context
Occasionally used to denote a portal or a login page, though 'login' is more common now.

駅の入り口で待ち合わせをしましょう。 (Eki no irikuchi de machiawase o shimashō.)

— Let's meet at the station entrance.

Understanding the kanji is crucial. 入 represents the act of entering, while 口 acts as a suffix for many types of openings (e.g., 出口 - exit, 改札口 - ticket gate). This word is ubiquitous in daily life in Japan, appearing on signs in every train station, department store, and public facility. It is often contrasted with its counterpart, 出口 (deguchi), which means 'exit'.

この公園の入り口はあちらです。 (Kono kōen no irikuchi wa achira desu.)

— The entrance to this park is over there.
Kanji Nuance
The 'iri' part is written with the kanji for 'enter' and the hiragana 'ri'. Sometimes you see it as 入口 (without the 'ri'), which is more common on formal signs.

地下鉄の入り口を探しています。 (Chikatetsu no irikuchi o sagashite imasu.)

— I am looking for the subway entrance.

Using 入り口 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the particles that typically accompany it. Because it denotes a location, it frequently appears with the particles に (ni), で (de), and の (no). It is a versatile word that functions in both formal and casual settings without changing its form.

With Particle 'の'
Used to specify what the entrance belongs to: [Place] + の + 入り口. Example: デパートの入り口 (Department store entrance).
With Particle 'で'
Used when an action occurs at the entrance. Example: 入り口で待つ (Wait at the entrance).
With Particle 'に'
Used for existence or direction. Example: 入り口にポスターがある (There is a poster at the entrance).

In terms of grammar, 入り口 is often the subject or object of a sentence. When giving directions, you might say 入り口を入ってすぐ (Irikuchi o haitte sugu), which means 'immediately after entering the entrance'. It is also common in compound phrases like 入り口付近 (irikuchi fukin) meaning 'near the entrance'.

美術館の入り口には長い列ができていた。 (Bijutsukan no irikuchi ni wa nagai retsu ga dekite ita.)

— There was a long line at the entrance of the art museum.

Metaphorically, you can use it to describe the start of a journey or field of study. For example, 学問の入り口 (gakumon no irikuchi) means 'the gateway to learning'. This usage is slightly more literary but perfectly natural in academic or philosophical discussions.

You will encounter 入り口 in almost every public space in Japan. It is one of the first words a traveler needs to recognize. From the moment you arrive at the airport to your daily commute on the train, this word is a constant guide. It is spoken by staff giving directions, heard in automated announcements, and seen on countless signs.

Public Transport
Announcements like '入り口をふさがないでください' (Please do not block the entrance) are common on busy trains.
Shopping Malls
Staff may direct you: '正面の入り口からお入りください' (Please enter through the front entrance).
Navigation Apps
Google Maps or Japan Transit apps will often specify 'A1入り口' (Entrance A1) for subway stations.

「すみません、入り口はどこですか？」 (Sumimasen, irikuchi wa doko desu ka?)

— Excuse me, where is the entrance?

In professional environments, it might be used in safety briefings or building layouts. For example, during an earthquake drill, you might hear instructions about staying away from glass 入り口. In the digital world, while 'top page' or 'login' are used, some older or more stylized websites might use 入り口 to invite users into a specific section of the site.

While 入り口 is a relatively simple word, learners often make a few specific errors regarding its kanji, pronunciation, and synonyms. The most common mistake is confusing it with 玄関 (genkan) or 門 (mon).

入り口 vs. 玄関
入り口 is any entrance. 玄関 is specifically the entryway of a house or building where you take off shoes. Don't call a subway entrance a 'genkan'.
入り口 vs. 門
門 (mon) is a 'gate'. While a gate is an entrance, 入り口 is more general. You enter a school through the 正門 (seimon - main gate), which is the school's 入り口.
Kanji Reading
Some beginners misread 入口 as 'nyūguchi' because 入 can be read as 'nyū' (as in 入学 - nyūgaku). However, for this word, it is always 'iri'.

❌ 家の入り口で靴を脱ぎます。 (Incorrect context)

✅ 家の玄関で靴を脱ぎます。 (Correct: Use 'genkan' for home entryways)

Another mistake is the omission of the particle の when connecting it to a place. You cannot say '駅入り口' in casual speech; it must be '駅の入り口'. However, on signs, the 'の' is often omitted for brevity (e.g., '地下鉄入口').

Japanese has several words for 'entrance' depending on the specific context, size, and formality of the opening. Distinguishing between these will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

玄関 (Genkan)
The specific entryway of a Japanese home or building, usually featuring a lower floor area for shoes.
門 (Mon)
A gate, often found at the perimeter of a property, temple, or school.
ゲート (Gēto)
The katakana for 'gate', used for airport boarding gates or electronic ticket gates.
搬入口 (Hannyūguchi)
A service entrance or loading dock used for delivering goods.
通用口 (Tsūyōguchi)
A side entrance or staff entrance, not for the general public.

大きな建物の正面玄関は豪華です。 (Ōkina tatemono no shōmen genkan wa gōka desu.)

— The main entrance of the large building is luxurious.

When choosing between these, consider the function. If it's a hole or a small opening, 開口部 (kaikōbu) might be used in technical contexts. If it's the mouth of a cave, 洞穴の入り口 (dōketsu no irikuchi) is appropriate. For abstract beginnings, 導入 (dōnyū - introduction) or 端緒 (tansho - beginning/clue) are used in higher-level Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

入り口はどこですか？

Where is the entrance?

Topic marker 'wa' + 'doko' (where) + 'desu ka' (question).

2

あそこが入り口です。

The entrance is over there.

Subject marker 'ga' identifies the specific location.

3

入り口にあります。

It is at the entrance.

Particle 'ni' indicates location of existence.

4

入り口へ行きましょう。

Let's go to the entrance.

Particle 'e' indicates direction.

5

小さい入り口ですね。

It's a small entrance, isn't it?

Adjective 'chiisai' modifies the noun.

6

入り口はあちらです。

The entrance is that way (polite).

'Achira' is the polite version of 'asoko'.

7

ここが入り口ですか？

Is this the entrance?

'Koko' (here) as the subject.

8

入り口を見てください。

Please look at the entrance.

Object marker 'o' + 'mite kudasai' (please look).

1

駅の入り口で会いましょう。

Let's meet at the station entrance.

Particle 'de' indicates the location of an action.

2

この入り口から入ってください。

Please enter through this entrance.

Particle 'kara' indicates the starting point of movement.

3

入り口の近くにトイレがあります。

There is a toilet near the entrance.

'Chikaku ni' means 'in the vicinity of'.

4

広い入り口ですね。

It's a wide entrance, isn't it?

Adjective 'hiroi' (wide/spacious).

5

入り口にカギがかかっています。

The entrance is locked.

'Kagi ga kakatte iru' is a set phrase for being locked.

6

反対側の入り口を使ってください。

Please use the entrance on the opposite side.

'Hantaigawa' (opposite side) + 'no' + 'irikuchi'.

7

入り口は二つあります。

There are two entrances.

Counter 'futatsu' for objects.

8

入り口の横にポスターを貼りました。

I pasted a poster next to the entrance.

'Yoko' (beside/next to).

1

入り口が狭いので、気をつけてください。

The entrance is narrow, so please be careful.

Reasoning particle 'node' (because/so).

2

入り口をふさがないようにしてください。

Please try not to block the entrance.

'~yō ni suru' indicates making an effort or following a rule.

3

イベントの入り口でチケットを見せました。

I showed my ticket at the entrance of the event.

Past tense verb 'misemashita'.

4

入り口付近は大変混雑しております。

The area near the entrance is very crowded.

Humble/Polite 'shite orimasu' for 'is'.

5

入り口を入ってすぐ右に曲がってください。

Go through the entrance and turn right immediately.

'~te' form for sequential actions.

6

この入り口は関係者以外立ち入り禁止です。

This entrance is off-limits to anyone except authorized personnel.

'Igai' (except) + 'tachiiri kinshi' (no entry).

7

入り口の照明が暗くて、よく見えません。

The entrance lighting is dark, so I can't see well.

Adjective 'te' form for reasons.

8

入り口のドアは自動で開きます。

The entrance door opens automatically.

Intransitive verb 'aku' (to open).

1

入り口のセキュリティチェックが厳しくなった。

Security checks at the entrance have become stricter.

Adjective + 'naru' (to become).

2

この本は哲学への入り口として最適だ。

This book is perfect as an introduction to philosophy.

Metaphorical use of 'irikuchi'.

3

入り口のデザインが建物の印象を左右する。

The design of the entrance influences the impression of the building.

'Sayū suru' (to influence/control).

4

入り口に掲示されている注意事項を読んでください。

Please read the precautions posted at the entrance.

Passive 'keiji sarete iru' (being posted).

5

地下駐車場の入り口は建物の裏側にあります。

The entrance to the underground parking lot is at the back of the building.

'Uragawa' (back side).

6

入り口の段差でつまずかないように注意してください。

Be careful not to trip on the step at the entrance.

'Tsumazuku' (to trip).

7

入り口の幅を広げる工事が行われている。

Construction is underway to widen the entrance.

Noun 'haba' (width) + 'hirogeru' (to widen).

8

入り口にセンサーが設置されており、人が通ると音が鳴る。

A sensor is installed at the entrance, and it makes a sound when someone passes.

Condition 'to' (whenever/if).

1

その古い洞窟の入り口は、草木に覆われていた。

The entrance to that old cave was covered in vegetation.

Passive 'owarete ita' (was covered).

2

入り口の配置を工夫することで、人の流れをスムーズにする。

By devising the layout of the entrance, we can smooth the flow of people.

'Kufū suru' (to devise/innovate).

3

彼はその研究の入り口に立ったばかりだ。

He has only just stood at the threshold of that research.

Abstract usage meaning 'starting point'.

4

入り口の重厚な扉が、その邸宅の歴史を物語っている。

The heavy doors at the entrance tell the story of the mansion's history.

'Monogatatte iru' (to tell/illustrate).

5

迷宮の入り口を見つけるのは、至難の業だった。

Finding the entrance to the labyrinth was a Herculean task.

'Shinan no waza' (extremely difficult task).

6

入り口での検温と消毒が義務付けられている。

Temperature checks and disinfection at the entrance are mandatory.

'Gimu-zukerarete iru' (is made mandatory).

7

入り口のキャノピーが雨除けとして機能している。

The entrance canopy functions as a rain shelter.

'Kinō shite iru' (is functioning).

8

入り口のシンボルマークが、ブランドのアイデンティティを象徴している。

The symbol mark at the entrance symbolizes the brand's identity.

'Shōchō shite iru' (is symbolizing).

1

入り口の意匠には、設計者の並々ならぬこだわりが感じられる。

In the design of the entrance, one can feel the designer's extraordinary attention to detail.

'Naminaminaranu' (extraordinary/uncommon).

2

都市の入り口としてのターミナル駅は、その街の顔である。

A terminal station, as the entrance to a city, is the face of that town.

'~to shite no' (as a...).

3

入り口の境界線が曖昧な、開放的な建築デザイン。

An open architectural design where the boundary of the entrance is ambiguous.

'Kyōkaisen' (boundary line) + 'aimai' (ambiguous).

4

入り口のセキュリティを突破するのは、事実上不可能だ。

Breaking through the entrance security is virtually impossible.

'Jijitsujō' (virtually/in fact).

5

入り口の佇まいが、訪れる者に静謐な印象を与える。

The appearance of the entrance gives visitors a serene impression.

'Tatazumai' (appearance/atmosphere).

6

入り口の構造的欠陥が、災害時の避難を妨げた。

Structural defects in the entrance hindered evacuation during the disaster.

'Samatageta' (hindered/obstructed).

7

入り口の電子錠がハッキングされるリスクを考慮すべきだ。

The risk of the entrance's electronic lock being hacked should be considered.

'Kōryo subeki da' (should consider).

8

入り口のモニュメントは、過去と未来の架け橋を意味している。

The monument at the entrance signifies a bridge between the past and the future.

'Kakehashi' (bridge/intermediary).

Common Collocations

入り口を探す
入り口で待つ
入り口に入る
入り口をふさぐ
入り口を抜ける
入り口の近く
入り口の正面
入り口のドア
入り口の階段
入り口の案内

Common Phrases

入り口はあちらです

入り口はこちらです

入り口で会いましょう

入り口が分かりません

入り口に並ぶ

入り口を閉める

入り口を開ける

入り口を確認する

入り口を間違える

入り口を通り過ぎる

Often Confused With

入り口 vs 玄関

入り口 vs 門

入り口 vs 入口

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

入り口 vs

入り口 vs

入り口 vs

入り口 vs

入り口 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Signage

Signs often omit the 'ri' (入口).

Metaphor

Can be used for the start of a book or a field of study.

Redundancy

Avoid '入り口に入る' unless emphasizing the physical act of crossing the threshold.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'genkan' for a subway entrance.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'irikuchi' (with a hard K) instead of 'irikuchi' (voiced G).
  • Writing the kanji for 'person' (人) instead of 'enter' (入).
  • Omitting the particle 'no' in 'eki no irikuchi'.
  • Confusing 'irikuchi' with 'nyūgaku' (entering school).

Tips

Shrine Entrances

The entrance to a Shinto shrine is marked by a 'Torii' gate. While it is an 'irikuchi', always refer to it as 'Torii' to show respect and knowledge.

Particle Choice

Use 'de' if you are meeting someone at the entrance. Use 'ni' if you are just pointing out that something exists there.

Don't confuse 入 and 人

The kanji for 'enter' (入) has the long stroke on the right. The kanji for 'person' (人) has the long stroke on the left.

Polite Directions

When directing someone, use 'achira' (that way) or 'kochira' (this way) instead of 'asoko' or 'koko' for a more professional tone.

Station Signs

Look for the yellow signs in Japanese stations. They almost always use '入口' to point you toward the street or other lines.

Opposites

Always learn 'irikuchi' and 'deguchi' together. They are the 'yin and yang' of Japanese navigation.

Blocking Entrances

In Japan, it is considered very rude to stand still or talk in an 'irikuchi'. Always move to the side to keep the flow clear.

Okurigana

The 'ri' in '入り口' is called okurigana. While it can be omitted, keeping it makes the text easier to read for beginners.

Building Levels

If a building has multiple entrances on different floors, they will be specified like '1F入り口' or '地下入り口'.

New Beginnings

Use '新しい生活の入り口' to poetically describe starting a new life or job.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Native Japanese (Kun-yomi) compound.

Cultural Context

Pine decorations (kadomatsu) placed at entrances during New Year.

Traditional fabric dividers often hung at the entrance of shops.

The strict rule of removing shoes at a home's entrance (genkan).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"入り口で待ち合わせしませんか？"

"この建物の入り口、かっこいいですね。"

"すみません、地下鉄の入り口はどこですか？"

"入り口が二つありますが、どちらから入りますか？"

"入り口に傘を忘れてしまいました。"

Journal Prompts

今日行った場所の入り口はどんな感じでしたか？

入り口で誰かと待ち合わせをした思い出はありますか？

あなたが一番好きな建物の入り口について書いてください。

「新しい人生の入り口」という言葉から何を連想しますか？

入り口と出口、どちらのデザインが重要だと思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

They are the same word. '入り口' is the standard way to write it in sentences, while '入口' is common on signs and in formal documents.

It is rare. Usually 'ログイン' (roguin) or 'トップページ' (toppu pēji) is used, but '入り口' might be used metaphorically in creative web design.

This is due to a phonological rule called 'rendaku' (sequential voicing), where the first consonant of the second part of a compound word becomes voiced.

Yes, a 'genkan' is a specific type of 'irikuchi'. Every 'genkan' is an entrance, but not every entrance (like a subway hole) is a 'genkan'.

You say '正面入り口' (shōmen irikuchi).

Yes, '通用口' (tsūyōguchi) or '従業員用入り口' (jūgyōin-yō irikuchi).

No, the mouth of a river is '河口' (kakō).

It is called '非常口' (hijōguchi).

You say '入り口はあちらでございます' (Irikuchi wa achira de gozaimasu).

Yes, metaphorically it can mean the beginning or introduction, though '冒頭' (bōtō) is more common for stories.

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

입구 Korean 入口处 Chinese
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