What does 口 add to words like 出口？


As I am going over the uses of N5 kanji, I have gotten confused as to why
口（ぐち） is used in places such as 出口 and 入口. What meaning does it add?




As you are probably aware, 口 has the meaning of mouth. However, when you look
at the Jisho.org [definition](https://jisho.org/word/%E5%8F%A3), you will also
find the definition of `opening; hole; gap; orifice` as well.

> What meaning does it add?

In this case, the meaning that is added is pretty simple, opening.

Combining 出 with 口, you get _a hole
for[exiting](https://jisho.org/search/%E5%87%BA%20%23kanji)_. You will
encounter this at many building and parking lot exits, but it exists many
other places as well.

Combining 入 with 口, you get a _hole
for[entering](https://jisho.org/search/%E5%85%A5%20%23kanji)_. You will
encounter this at many building and parking lot entrances. As with 出口 you will
also see it in other places as well.




In 出口 and 入口,「口」describes the doorway.

[![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/HdUCN.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/HdUCN.png)

