非常口

• Reading: ひじょうぐち
• Romaji: hijouguchi
• Kanji breakdown: 非 (hi) — non-, un-; 常 (jou) — ordinary, usual; 口 (guchi) — opening, exit
• Pronunciation: /hi.dʑoː.gɯ.tɕi/

Meaning

Emergency exit; a designated exit for use during fires, earthquakes, or other emergencies.

A compound noun combining 非常 (emergency/extraordinary) with 口 (exit/opening). The green running-person pictogram sign (非常口マーク) is ubiquitous in Japanese buildings and was designed in Japan before becoming an international standard. Knowing this word is essential for safety in Japan, as the sign appears in every public building.

Examples

1. 非常口の位置は必ず確認してください。 Always make sure to check the location of the emergency exits.
2. 映画館に入ったらまず非常口を探す癖がある。 I've gotten into the habit of looking for emergency exits as soon as I enter a movie theater.
3. 地震の際は非常口から避難してください。 Please evacuate through the emergency exit in the event of an earthquake.

Usage Guide

Context: public safety, buildings, travel, disaster preparedness

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 非常 (hijou, emergency/extraordinary: 非 'non-' + 常 'ordinary') + 口 (guchi, exit/opening). Literally 'emergency opening,' a practical compound for exits used only in exceptional circumstances.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal