Meaning
The kanji 戸 (ko, to) means 'door' or 'household.' It most directly refers to a single-panel door, particularly traditional Japanese sliding doors (引き戸, hikido), in contrast to hinged, Western-style doors (ドア, doa). Beyond this literal sense, 戸 also represents a 'household' or 'family.' This broader meaning reflects a cultural understanding where the door acts as the boundary and entrance to a home, thus symbolizing the family unit living inside. Such extended meanings are common in Japanese, where physical objects often gain broader, symbolic significance.
Visually, the kanji 戸 is a simple yet evocative representation. It originated as a pictograph depicting a single-panel door. You can imagine the vertical line as the door itself, and the horizontal line extending from the top as the doorframe or the lintel. The small stroke on the right suggests a hinge or a slight opening, perhaps a door slightly ajar or mounted. This ancient form clearly shows its origin as a door. Its simple form and clear visual connection make it easy to recognize and remember. With only 4 strokes, 戸 is a relatively quick and easy character to write. Taught to Japanese elementary school children in the 2nd grade, it highlights its fundamental importance and high frequency in everyday language.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi reading for 戸 is コ (ko). On'yomi readings are typically used in compound words, especially when 戸 is combined with other kanji of Chinese origin. This reading often appears in formal terms or when referring to official aspects of a household or counting units.
- 戸籍 (koseki) — family register. This refers to the official record of a family's births, deaths, marriages, and other important events, maintained by the Japanese government.
- 一戸 (ikko) — one house; one household. This is a common counter for individual dwellings or family units.
- 戸数 (kosū) — number of households; number of houses. Used when counting or referring to the quantity of residential units.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi reading for 戸 is と (to). Kun'yomi readings are used when the kanji stands alone or is combined with okurigana (hiragana endings) to form native Japanese words. This reading is commonly used when referring to a door in a more general, everyday context or as part of compound words that have a strong native Japanese feel.
- 戸 (to) — door; traditional Japanese sliding door. This is the most direct and common usage, referring simply to a door.
- 雨戸 (amado) — storm door; shutter. These are exterior sliding panels used to protect windows and doors from weather or for security.
- 勝手口 (katte-guchi) — service entrance; back door (e.g., to a kitchen). This term specifies an entrance primarily used for utilitarian purposes.
Common Words & Compounds
Types of Doors & Entrances
- 玄関 (genkan) — entranceway; foyer (the main entrance of a Japanese house).
- 戸口 (toguchi) — doorway; entrance.
- 掃き出し窓 (hakidashi-mado) — full-height window (often leading to a garden or balcony, functions like a door).
- 開き戸 (hirakido) — hinged door; swinging door.
- 引き戸 (hikido) — sliding door.
Household & Living
- 戸建て (kodate) — detached house.
- 戸主 (koshu) — head of a household (historical term).
- 井戸 (ido) — well (for water).
- 帳簿 (chōbo) — account book; ledger. While 帳簿 itself doesn't contain 戸, accounting is often related to 'household accounts' and historical records kept by a '户'.
Actions & Related Concepts
- 戸惑う (tomadou) — to be bewildered; to be perplexed; to be at a loss. (Originally meant to be lost in an unfamiliar house or area).
- 門戸開放 (monko kaihō) — open door policy; liberalization.
Example Sentences
古い家の戸が風で開いた。
Furui ie no to ga kaze de aita.
The old house's door opened in the wind.
私たちの戸棚にはたくさんの本がある。
Watashitachi no todana ni wa takusan no hon ga aru.
There are many books in our cupboard.
雨戸を閉めて、風の音を遮断した。
Amado o shimete, kaze no oto o shadan shita.
I closed the storm doors, blocking out the sound of the wind.
夜は必ずすべての戸締りをしてください。
Yoru wa kanarazu subete no tojimari o shite kudasai.
Please lock all doors and windows at night.
このマンションには何戸の部屋がありますか。
Kono manshon ni wa nanko no heya ga arimasu ka?
How many units are there in this apartment building?
この地域は一戸建てが多い。
Kono chiiki wa ikkodate ga ooi.
This area has many detached houses.
彼は突然の出来事に戸惑った。
Kare wa totsuzen no dekigoto ni tomadotta.
He was bewildered by the sudden incident.
台風に備えて、雨戸を閉めたほうがいいでしょう。
Taifū ni sonaete, amado o shimeta hō ga ii deshō.
You should close the storm shutters in preparation for the typhoon.
昔の日本の家には、よく引き戸が使われていました。
Mukashi no Nihon no ie ni wa, yoku hikido ga tsukawarete imashita.
Sliding doors were often used in old Japanese houses.
Memory Tip
Imagine the kanji 戸 as a simplified depiction of a single door panel. The long vertical stroke is the door itself, and the short horizontal stroke across the top is the lintel or the top part of the doorframe. The tiny tick mark on the right can be seen as the door's handle or hinge, slightly jutting out, suggesting a functioning door that can open and close. Visualize it as 'a door to a house,' with the character effectively capturing the essence of a simple, traditional Japanese sliding door. This visual imagery directly connects the shape to its primary meaning of 'door' and, by extension, 'household' – since a door is the entry point to a home.