入り口

• Reading: いりぐち
• Romaji: iriguchi
• Kanji breakdown: 入 (iri) — enter, go in; 口 (guchi) — mouth, opening
• Pronunciation: /i.ɾi.ɡɯ.t͡ɕi/

Meaning

Entrance; entry; gate. The place where one enters a building or area.

A compound noun formed from 入り (entering) and 口 (opening/mouth). It is the opposite of 出口 (deguchi, exit). Found on signs at stations, buildings, parks, and other public places. Also written as 入口 without the り in signs and formal writing.

Examples

1. 入り口で切符を見せてください。 Please show your ticket at the entrance.
2. デパートの入り口は左にあります。 The entrance to the department store is on the left.
3. 入り口の前で友達を待っています。 I am waiting for my friend in front of the entrance.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, buildings, stations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A native Japanese compound. 入り comes from the verb 入る (hairu, to enter) and 口 (kuchi/guchi) means mouth or opening. Together they literally mean 'entering opening.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal