Translation and Meaning of: 戸 - ko

The Japanese word 戸[こ] is a simple yet essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and everyday uses, along with curiosities that help understand how it is perceived by native speakers. If you have ever wondered how to memorize this kanji or in what contexts it appears, keep reading to find out!

Meaning and usage of 戸[こ]

The kanji 戸 means "door" or "gate" and is often used to refer to residential entrances or traditional Japanese partitions. Unlike ドア (doa), which comes from the English "door" and is more common in modern constructions, 戸 carries a more traditional nuance, associated with wooden houses and old structures.

A practical example is the expression 引き戸 (hikido), which refers to sliding doors typical of Japanese environments. This type of vocabulary is useful not only for Japanese students but also for those who want to understand architecture and daily life in Japan.

Origin and writing of kanji

The character 戸 has Chinese origins and is part of the basic kanji group learned in the early school years in Japan. It consists of only 4 strokes, which makes it relatively easy to write. Interestingly, its radical is the character 戸 itself, meaning it does not break down into smaller components with independent meanings.

One tip for memorizing its shape is to associate it with the image of a door viewed from above, with the top part representing the structure and the bottom, the opening. This visualization helps to reinforce not just the drawing but also the concept behind the kanji.

Cultural context and common expressions

In Japan, 戸 is present in various aspects of daily life and even in proverbs. One example is 戸締り (tojimari), which means "locking the door" and is often heard in nighttime announcements, reminding people to protect themselves.

In addition, in regions like Kyoto and Nara, it is still possible to see houses with 戸 de papel (fusuma) or wood, preserving a historical architectural style. For students, observing these details in dramas or animes can be a fun way to reinforce vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 戸 (To) - Door or entrance; traditionally refers to doors of houses or buildings.
• 扉 (Tobira) - Door; generally refers to doors in the broader sense, which may include cabinet doors, for example.
• ドア (Doa) - Door; a term used in modern and Western contexts, such as car doors or establishments.

戸

Romaji: ko
Kana: こ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: counter for houses

Meaning in English: counter for houses

Definition: An opening that serves as an entrance or exit of a building.

Example Sentences - (戸) ko

See below some example sentences:

雨戸を閉めてください。

Amado wo shimete kudasai

Please close the blinds.

Please close the shutter.

• 雨戸 - It means "sliding door" or "blind" in Japanese.
• を - It is a Japanese object particle, indicating that "雨戸" is the object of the action.
• 閉めて - It is the imperative form of the verb "fechar" in Japanese.
• ください - It is a polite expression in Japanese that means "please" or "do me a favor".

私の部屋には大きな戸棚があります。

Watashi no heya ni wa ookina todana ga arimasu

There's a big closet in my room.

There's a big closet in my room.

• 私の部屋には - "In my classroom"
• 大きな - "large"
• 戸棚 - "closet"
• が - subject particle
• あります - exist

戸を開けてください。

To wo akete kudasai

Please open the door.

Please open the door.

• 戸 (to) - door
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 開けて (akete) - open (imperative verb)
• ください (kudasai) - please (suffix for requests)

私の戸籍は東京にあります。

Watashi no koseki wa Tokyo ni arimasu

My family record is in Tokyo.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 戸籍 - family registry or civil registry
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 東京 - Tokyo city
• に - particle indicating where something is, equivalent to "in"
• あります - verb meaning "to be present", in the present affirmative