torii: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “torii” mean?
A traditional Japanese gate, most commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine, consisting of two upright posts with two horizontal crosspieces, typically painted red.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Japanese gate, most commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine, consisting of two upright posts with two horizontal crosspieces, typically painted red.
In broader context, it can symbolize the transition from the mundane to the sacred, mark a spiritually significant boundary, or be used as an ornamental architectural element in Japanese-style gardens outside Japan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Identical connotations of Japanese culture and Shinto religion.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in contexts related to Japanese studies, travel, architecture, or religion.
Grammar
How to Use “torii” in a Sentence
[Verb] the toriiA torii [verb] the entranceThe torii is [adjective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in tourism, cultural exchange, or architectural design proposals.
Academic
Common in fields of Religious Studies, Japanese History, Art History, and Architecture.
Everyday
Very rare, except when discussing travel to Japan, Japanese gardens, or cultural topics.
Technical
Used in architectural descriptions, cultural heritage documentation, and religious studies texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “torii”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “torii”
- Mispronouncing it as 'torry' or 'tore-ee'.
- Using it as a plural (torii is both singular and plural).
- Confusing it with a 'torana' (Indian gateway) or a 'pailou' (Chinese gateway).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is also 'torii'. It is an unchanged plural, similar to 'sheep' or 'fish'.
Virtually all Shinto shrines have at least one torii, as it is the defining architectural feature marking the entrance to the sacred space. Some shrines have multiple torii gates.
No, while vermilion (red-orange) is the most common and iconic colour, torii can also be left unpainted (showing natural wood or stone), painted black, or other colours depending on the shrine and the material.
Yes, but only for gates that are specifically built in the traditional Japanese style, such as those found in Japanese gardens abroad, cultural centres, or some restaurants. It is not used for generic arches or gates.
A traditional Japanese gate, most commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine, consisting of two upright posts with two horizontal crosspieces, typically painted red.
Torii is usually formal / technical in register.
Torii: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɔː.riː.iː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɔːr.i.iː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TORY' (a political party) plus an extra 'I'. Imagine a red Tory party sign shaped like a Japanese gate.
Conceptual Metaphor
Threshold between worlds (profane/sacred, known/unknown).
Practice
Quiz
A 'torii' is most specifically associated with which of the following?