Japanese word

窓口

Pronunciation

Romajimadoguchi

Meaning

  • nouncounter

Example

駅の窓口で切符を買います。eki no mado guchi de kippu o ka i ma su

I buy a ticket at the station counter.

Illustration for 窓口 (counter)

More examples

払い戻しは窓口で受け付けています。hara i modo shi wa mado guchi de u ke tsu ke te i ma su

Refunds are handled at the counter.

Core concept

Refers to a designated place where people handle requests, payments, or other services face to face.

Common phrases

  • 窓口で申し込むmado guchi de mō shi ko mu

    apply at the counter

  • 窓口で聞くmado guchi de ki ku

    ask at the counter

Similar words

受付uketsuke: A place where staff receive visitors and handle requests or applications.
カウンターkauntā: A long surface where staff provide goods or services to customers.

Definition in Japanese

施設などで、受付や相談、切符の販売などを行う場所。shi setsu na do de uke tsuke ya sō dan kippu no han bai na do o okona u ba sho

Word origin

The compound 窓口 (madoguchi) combines 窓 (mado, "window") and 口 (guchi, "opening"), linking a window-like opening with a place for service.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 窓口 (madoguchi) can mean an organization's point of contact as well as a physical ticket window, so it is broader than the English word counter.

Other meanings

  • ticket windownoun

Word lists with this word