鳥居
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Base noun form. Refers to the traditional gate at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, typically made of wood or stone and painted red. Used in phrases like 『鳥居をくぐる』 (tori-i o kuguru, 'to pass through the torii gate').
Theme
While sightseeing in Kyoto, User and their local guide Aiko are visiting a famous Shinto shrine, discussing its architecture and significance.
鳥居
とりい
Shinto shrine archway
Culture & SocietyReligion & Festivals
Memory Hook
Imagine a 'torii' (鳥居 tori-i) as a 'tori' (bird) resting on a gate — birds often perch on these iconic red arches at Shinto shrines. 'Tori' (bird) + 'i' (stay) → 鳥居 (tori-i, 'Shinto shrine archway').
Cultural Note
『鳥居』 (tori-i, 'Shinto shrine archway') marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine, symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred. They are often painted vermilion red and are a common sight in Japan, from famous sites like 『明治神宮』 (Meiji Jingu, 'Meiji Shrine') to small local shrines.
Forms
Base: 鳥居Base noun form. Refers to the traditional gate at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, typically made of wood or stone and painted red. Used in phrases like 『鳥居をくぐる』 (tori-i o kuguru, 'to pass through the torii gate').