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Living Information

Read the Signs: The Torii Symbol

2020.11.26

看板を読もう「鳥居のマーク」


Torii_200x133.jpgA torii (鳥居) is the structure erected at the entrance to the grounds of Shinto shrines, and sometimes at numerous places along the path to a shrine, where many people stop and bow to the deities when they pass. Its presence alerts those approaching that the precinct beyond is sacred ground, and must be respected.
The torii is also a powerful symbol used to discourage would-be perpetrators of unfortunate behavior. Miniature torii and signs featuring the symbol have been used in efforts to reduce littering, and discourage public urination by both man and his best friend.




Torii1_200x300.jpg

小便  shōben / shonben (urine)


立小便 / 立ち小便  tachi-shonben

(urinate outdoors, by the roadside, etc. [Lit. standing urination; this does not imply that squatting for the deed is acceptable.])


禁止  kinshi (prohibited)




Torii2_200x300.jpg

禁  kin (=禁止, see above)


犬  inu (dog; read here as ken)


禁犬小便  kinkenshōben (dog urination forbidden)




Torii3_200x300.jpg

~に~(を)させないで  ~ ni ~ (wo) sasenaide

(don't let / make [someone] do [something])



犬に小便させないで  Inu ni shonben sasenaide

(Don't let your dog urinate here)



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