入門

• Reading: にゅうもん
• Romaji: nyūmon
• Kanji breakdown: 入 (nyū) — enter; 門 (mon) — gate, school, tradition
• Pronunciation: /ɲɯː.moɴ/

Meaning

Introduction; a primer or entry into a field of study. Also: the formal act of becoming a disciple under a master in a traditional art.

A noun (also 入門する as a suru verb) with two distinct uses. As a modifier, 入門書 (nyūmon-sho) means an introductory book or primer. In traditional arts such as noh, kabuki, or martial arts, 入門する means to formally become a disciple — a solemn commitment to a master and their lineage. Literary use often implies both the textual and personal dimensions of entering a tradition.

Examples

1. この俳句入門書は初心者にも分かりやすく、長く読み継がれている。 This haiku primer is easy to understand even for beginners and has been read across generations for years.
2. 若い頃に能楽の世界に入門し、生涯をその道に捧げた。 He entered the world of noh theatre in his youth and devoted his entire life to that path.
3. 哲学への入門として、まずこの一冊を読むことを勧める。 As an introduction to philosophy, I recommend reading this one book first.

Usage Guide

Context: education, traditional arts, publishing, scholarship

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 入 (enter) and 門 (gate, school, tradition). The gate (門) metaphor is central: one passes through it to enter a domain of knowledge or a master's lineage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: General