入口

• Pinyin: rù kǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 入 = pictograph of an arrow pointing downward, representing entering; 口 = pictograph of an open mouth, representing an opening

Meaning

Entrance; entry point. The place where you go in.

Used for physical entrances to buildings, parks, subway stations, and other locations. Also used metaphorically in computing for a website portal or access point. The opposite is 出口 (exit). Very common on signs and in giving directions.

Examples

1. 地铁的入口在那边。 The subway entrance is over there.
2. 公园的入口旁边有一个小商店。 There is a small shop next to the park entrance.
3. 请从这个入口进去。 Please enter through this entrance.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, signs, navigation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 入口在大楼的左边。(The entrance is on the left side of the building.)
• 从入口进去就能看到电梯。(Go through the entrance and you'll see the elevator.)

Don't Say

• 不要把入口和出口搞混 (Don't confuse 入口 with 出口 — 入口 is the entrance where you go in; 出口 is the exit where you come out)

Origin & History

入 (rù, to enter) + 口 (kǒu, mouth/opening). Literally the 'entering mouth' — the opening through which one enters.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal