noun HSK 3
Traditional 大門
main gate · main entrance · front gate
Meaning
大门 refers to the primary entrance or main gate of a building, compound, or enclosed area. It's the principal entry point, typically larger and more prominent than side entrances or back doors. The word combines 大 (big) and 门 (gate/door) to emphasize its importance and size.
Usage
Commonly used for the main entrance of schools, parks, residential compounds, government buildings, and traditional courtyard houses. It contrasts with 后门 (back door) or 侧门 (side door). In modern usage, it can refer to apartment building main entrances or university campus gates.
Examples
- 01我们在学校大门口见面吧。.Let's meet at the school's main gate.
- 02这座古老的庙宇有一个雄伟的大门。.This ancient temple has a magnificent main gate.
Characters
Measure words
- 扇一扇大门
- 道一道大门
Common collocations
- 大门口at the main gate
- 走出大门to walk out the main gate
- 关上大门to close the main gate
- 敞开大门to open the doors wide (literally or figuratively)
Antonyms
Origin
A straightforward compound combining 大 (large/main) with 门 (door/gate) to indicate the primary entrance. The concept has existed since ancient Chinese architecture emphasized grand entryways.