窓
mado[ma̠do̞]
The Japanese word for "window" is 窓 (mado). Wiktionary also lists 窓口 (madoguchi).
Meaning: opening for light and air (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 窓 | mado | [ma̠do̞] (narrow) |
| 窓口 | madoguchi | [ma̠do̞ɡɯ̟t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
The term 窓 refers specifically to a physical window in a building used for light and air. In contrast, the term 窓口 is used metaphorically to refer to a service counter, a service desk or a contact point for information.
Which one should you use?
Use 窓 when talking about the physical object in a building. Use 窓口 when you are referring to a person or place that acts as a contact point or service desk.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 窓 is a non-counter noun and does not change its form to indicate plurality. You must rely on the context of your sentence to determine if you are talking about one window or multiple windows.
How do you pronounce it?
mado
Did you know?
- The word 窓 is a combination of the ancient word for 'eye' and the word for 'gate', literally meaning an 'eye-gate'.
- In Japanese architecture, traditional sliding windows called shōji are made of translucent paper rather than glass.
- When referring to computer operating systems, Japanese uses ウィンドウ as a loanword instead of the traditional 窓.
Examples in context
- 窓を閉めて。Close the window.This example shows how to use 窓 in a request to close something.Tatoeba #140336 by tommy__san, translation #274237 by CK
- 窓を開けて。Open the window.This example shows how to use 窓 in a request to open something.Tatoeba #140363 by tommy__san, translation #274210 by CK
- 窓を開けた。I opened the window.This example shows the past tense usage of 窓.Tatoeba #8553673 by small_snow, translation #2389577 by CK
- 340 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A bright room on a sunny day.
- 美咲 Misaki窓から日光が入っていますね。mado kara nikkou ga haitte imasu ne.Sunlight is coming in through the window, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、とても明るいです。hai, totemo akarui desu.Yes, it is very bright.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは窓を閉めますか？kenta-san wa mado o shimemasu ka?Kenta, are you going to close the window?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、そのままにしておきます。iie, sono mama ni shite okimasu.No, I will leave it as it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “window” translations and entries 窓, 窓口, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 窓, 窓口, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
