Translation guide
In Japanese, sliding doors are a fundamental part of traditional architecture and modern homes. The most common types are fusuma (opaque paper, used as room dividers) and shōji (translucent paper, often leading to outside). For Western-style sliding doors, glass doors, or automatic doors, different terms apply.
A wooden-framed sliding door covered with thick, opaque paper or cloth, used to separate interior rooms.
Fusuma are opaque sliding doors typically found between tatami rooms. They often have decorative paintings or patterns.
襖を開けてください。
Please open the sliding door.
この部屋の襖は古いです。
The sliding doors in this room are old.
A wooden lattice sliding door covered with translucent paper, allowing light through while providing privacy. Often used for exterior walls or verandas.
Shōji are lightweight sliding doors made of a wooden frame and translucent paper. They are commonly used as exterior doors or room dividers that let in light.
障子を閉めると部屋が明るくなります。
When you close the shōji, the room becomes bright.
猫が障子を破った。
The cat tore the shōji.
A modern sliding door, often made of glass or wood, used in contemporary homes, closets, or as patio doors.
Hikido is a general term for any sliding door that moves horizontally. It can refer to both traditional and modern styles, but is commonly used for Western-style sliding doors.
クローゼットの引き戸が壊れました。
The closet sliding door broke.
リビングの引き戸を開けると庭に出られます。
You can go out to the garden by opening the living room sliding door.
A loanword from English, used for modern sliding doors, especially in commercial buildings or vehicles.
A sliding door that opens automatically, commonly found at store entrances or train stations.
Jidō doa specifically refers to automatic doors, which are usually sliding doors in Japan.
駅の自動ドアが開かない。
The automatic door at the station won't open.
Referring to a pair or set of sliding doors, such as on a closet or cabinet.
Hikichigaido refers to a pair of sliding doors that slide past each other, common in closets and traditional Japanese architecture.
押し入れの引き違い戸を外しました。
I removed the closet sliding doors.
Fusuma are opaque and used as interior partitions, while shōji are translucent and often used for exterior walls or to let in light. Fusuma are thicker and provide more privacy and insulation.
If you're unsure which specific term to use, 引き戸 is a safe, general word for any horizontally sliding door, including modern glass doors.
この車はスライドドアが付いています。
This car has sliding doors.