Translation guide
The English word "entrance" can refer to a physical entry point, the act of entering, or the right to enter. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A place where you enter a building, room, or area.
The most common word for a physical entrance or doorway.
The entrance is over there.
Let's meet at the station entrance.
Specifically the entrance hall or front door of a Japanese house or apartment, where shoes are removed.
Please take off your shoes at the entrance.
An entrance/exit; emphasizes the function of coming and going. Often used for buildings or facilities.
This building has only one entrance/exit.
Loanword from English, often used for the entrance hall of hotels, offices, or modern buildings. Sounds slightly stylish.
I'll be waiting in the hotel entrance.
Literary or traditional term for a gateway or entrance, often of a house or estate. Rare in modern conversation.
I saw a figure standing at the entrance.
The moment or action of coming in, especially in a dramatic or formal context.
Entering a venue, hall, or event. Commonly used for concerts, ceremonies, etc.
Here comes the entrance of the bride and groom.
Appearance or entrance of a character on stage, or a dramatic arrival. Often used in entertainment or metaphorical contexts.
Used in compound nouns or set phrases to indicate entering, e.g., 入り時間 (call time for performers). Not used alone for 'entrance'.
Admission, access, or the right to go in.
Also used for admission or entry rights, often in compounds like 入場料 (admission fee) or 入場券 (entrance ticket).
How much is the entrance fee?
Entrance to a school or university; enrollment.
Admission to a society, club, or organization.
入口 is a general entrance to any building or room. 玄関 specifically refers to the traditional entrance area of a Japanese home where shoes are removed. Using 玄関 for a store or office entrance can sound odd.
I'm waiting at the department store entrance.
I decorated the entrance with flowers.
English 'entrance' can mean 'entry' as in data entry or making an entry in a diary. These are not translated with 入口. Use 入力 (にゅうりょく) for data entry, or 記入 (きにゅう) for filling in forms.
Entrance is from 6 p.m.
ヒーローの登場シーンがかっこいい。
The hero's entrance scene is cool.
The actors' call time is 5 o'clock.
You can get free entrance with this pass.
入学試験に合格した。
I passed the entrance exam.
入会金が必要です。
An entrance fee is required.