Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Religion
躙り口は腰をかがめて、にじって入るのが作法です。 — At the nijiri-guchi, you enter by stooping low and shuffling forward on your knees. (Cultural · Religion, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N2)
You
躙り口は腰をかがめて、にじって入るのが作法です。
にじりぐちはこしをかがめて、にじってはいるのがさほうです。
At the nijiri-guchi, you enter by stooping low and shuffling forward on your knees.
Romaji: Nijiri-guchi wa koshi wo kagamete, nijitte hairu no ga sahou desu. / Reply Romaji: Semakute hikui iri-guchi desu yo ne. Naze sou suru no desu ka.
Reply
狭くて低い入口ですよね。なぜそうするのですか。
せまくてひくいいりぐちですよね。なぜそうするのですか。
It is a narrow, low entrance, isn't it. Why is it built that way?
Gesture & etiquette
Remove tabi socks if dirty. Place fan in front of you on the threshold first, then enter on knees. Head dips below the lintel. No large objects through — symbolically equalizes all who enter.
茶室 (tea room) 躙り口 (nijiri-guchi crawl-in entrance) is a small square opening (about 66cm) that forces all guests to stoop equally — designed by Sen no Rikyu to symbolically remove social hierarchy. Samurai historically had to leave swords outside. Modern tea ceremonies retain this practice. Enter on knees, place your fan (扇子) in front first to mark your respectful boundary.