expression, godan verb (-ku)
knock at the gate; knock on the door
Literal action of knocking on a gate or door, often at an entrance.
夜遅くに誰かが門を叩いた。
Late at night, someone knocked at the gate.
expression, godan verb (-ku)
request apprenticeship; ask to become a pupil
Figurative use: seeking admission as a student or apprentice, often by approaching a master or teacher.
彼は有名な画家の門を叩いて弟子入りを願った。
He knocked on the door of a famous painter, asking to become his apprentice.