Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'front door' depends on context: the physical entrance of a building, the door itself, or the area just outside. The most common word is 玄関 (genkan), which refers to the traditional entrance hall where shoes are removed. For the door itself, ドア (doa) or 扉 (tobira) may be used. In some contexts, 正面玄関 (shōmen genkan) specifies the main front entrance.
Referring to the area just inside the front door where shoes are removed, or the entrance as a whole.
The standard word for the entrance hall of a Japanese house or apartment. It implies the area inside the front door, often with a step up. Use this when talking about the entrance as a place.
Please take off your shoes at the front door.
I lock the front door.
Specifically the main front entrance, often used for larger buildings like schools or offices. Emphasizes the formal front entrance.
Please enter through the front entrance.
Referring to the door itself, as an object that opens and closes.
Loanword from English, commonly used for Western-style doors. Natural for the front door of a house or apartment.
I open the front door.
I'm standing in front of the door.
A more general or literary word for door, often used for hinged doors. Can sound slightly formal or poetic in everyday speech.
Referring to the space immediately outside the entrance, like a doorstep or porch.
Literally 'in front of the entrance'. The most natural way to say 'outside the front door'.
There's a package left outside the front door.
Refers to the gate or entrance area of a house, often implying the threshold. More traditional and less common in modern conversation.
The literal translation 前のドア (mae no doa) means 'the door in front' and is not used to mean the front entrance of a building. It would be interpreted as a door located in front of something else.
玄関 refers to the entrance area, while ドア refers to the door itself. In many contexts, 玄関 is used metonymically for the front door, e.g., 玄関を開ける (open the front door) is acceptable, but 玄関のドア is clearer when emphasizing the door object.
I'll wait for you at the front door.
The front door is locked.
I push the heavy door.
門口に立つ。
Stand at the front door.