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 moment or action of coming in, especially in a dramatic or formal context.
Admission, access, or the right to go in.
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.
デパートの入口で待っています。
I'm waiting at the department store entrance.
玄関に花を飾りました。
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.
入口はあちらです。
The entrance is over there.
駅の入口で待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet at the station entrance.
Specifically the entrance hall or front door of a Japanese house or apartment, where shoes are removed.
玄関で靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes at the entrance.
An entrance/exit; emphasizes the function of coming and going. Often used for buildings or facilities.
このビルの出入り口は一つだけです。
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.
ホテルのエントランスでお待ちしています。
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.
門口に立つ人影が見えた。
I saw a figure standing at the entrance.
Entering a venue, hall, or event. Commonly used for concerts, ceremonies, etc.
新郎新婦の入場です。
Here comes the entrance of the bride and groom.
入場は午後6時からです。
Entrance is from 6 p.m.
Appearance or entrance of a character on stage, or a dramatic arrival. Often used in entertainment or metaphorical contexts.
ヒーローの登場シーンがかっこいい。
The hero's entrance scene is cool.
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'.
役者の入りは5時です。
The actors' call time is 5 o'clock.
Also used for admission or entry rights, often in compounds like 入場料 (admission fee) or 入場券 (entrance ticket).
入場料はいくらですか。
How much is the entrance fee?
このパスで無料入場できます。
You can get free entrance with this pass.
Entrance to a school or university; enrollment.
入学試験に合格した。
I passed the entrance exam.