Translation guide
The English word 'door' refers to a movable barrier at an entrance. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ドア, but 戸, 扉, and other words are used depending on material, style, and context. This guide helps learners choose the right word for different situations.
Referring to a typical door in a modern building, house, or room, especially Western-style with a knob or handle.
The most common word for a Western-style door. Used for doors in houses, apartments, offices, and cars. It implies a hinged panel that opens and closes.
Please open the door.
I lock the door.
A traditional Japanese door, often sliding or made of wood and paper. Can also refer to doors in general in some set phrases. Less common for modern Western doors.
I close the door (traditional style).
Referring to a door that slides open, typical in Japanese architecture.
A sliding door made of a wooden lattice covered with translucent paper. Used to divide rooms or as a window covering.
Referring to a large, solid door, such as a front door of a building, a gate, or a door that feels grand or sturdy.
Often used for heavy, impressive doors like those of a temple, castle, or a grand entrance. Also used metaphorically (e.g., 'door to the future'). Can be used for any door in poetic or literary contexts.
Referring specifically to the door of a vehicle.
The standard word for a car door. Same as general door, but context makes it clear.
Referring to the entrance or the space where a door is, rather than the door panel.
Referring to a door that opens automatically, common in stores and stations.
I open the shoji to let in the breeze.
A sliding door made of opaque paper or cloth over a wooden frame, often used as a room partition or closet door.
Please close the fusuma.
A general term for any sliding door, including modern glass or wooden sliding doors.
I quietly close the sliding door.
I push open the heavy door.
a door to the future
Specifically a gate door, such as the door of a gate at an entrance to a property.
I close the gate door.
車のドアを閉める。
I close the car door.
Means 'entrance'. Use this when you mean the doorway or the place you enter, not the physical door panel.
I'm waiting at the door (entrance).
Literally 'door mouth', meaning the doorway or the area immediately inside/outside a door. More specific than 入口.
I stand in the doorway.
The standard term for an automatic door.
The automatic door won't open.
This door is light. (traditional sliding door)
This door is massive. (grand entrance)
If you are talking about a shoji or fusuma, use the specific word. Calling them ドア will confuse listeners because they expect a Western hinged door.