Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to say 'antique store' is 骨董品店 (kottōhinten) or アンティークショップ (antīku shoppu). The choice depends on the nuance: 骨董品店 implies traditional, high-end antiques, while アンティークショップ is a loanword often used for Western-style or vintage items. There are also more specific terms for used goods or secondhand shops that may overlap in English but are distinct in Japanese.
骨董品店
antique store (traditional)
アンティークショップ
antique shop (Western/vintage)
A shop specializing in old, valuable, or collectible items, often with historical or artistic value.
The standard term for a store selling traditional antiques like ceramics, scrolls, furniture, etc. Often implies high quality and authenticity.
あの骨董品店には江戸時代の茶碗がある。
That antique store has tea bowls from the Edo period.
Loanword from English, often used for shops selling Western antiques, vintage items, or retro goods. Can feel more casual or trendy.
週末にアンティークショップで古い時計を買った。
I bought an old clock at an antique shop over the weekend.
A more colloquial term for an antique dealer or shop. Can refer to the shop itself or the person running it.
祖父は骨董屋を営んでいた。
My grandfather ran an antique store.
A shop selling pre-owned items, not necessarily old or valuable. English speakers might call some of these 'antique stores' loosely, but in Japanese they are distinct.
A shop selling used goods, often at lower prices. Not specifically antiques; more like a thrift store or secondhand shop. May carry some vintage items.
引っ越す前にリサイクルショップに家具を売った。
I sold my furniture to a secondhand store before moving.
A legal term for a licensed secondhand goods dealer. Not used in everyday conversation; more for official contexts.
A temporary market or event where antiques and collectibles are sold, often outdoors.
A regular or special market for antiques. Often held at shrines or temples on specific days.
毎月第一日曜日に神社で骨董市が開かれる。
An antique fair is held at the shrine on the first Sunday of every month.
Loanword for 'antique fair', often used for larger, organized events.
東京アンティークフェアには全国から出店者が集まる。
Vendors from all over the country gather at the Tokyo Antique Fair.
骨董品店 (kottōhinten) suggests a traditional Japanese antique store with items like ceramics, calligraphy, and old furniture. アンティークショップ (antīku shoppu) is a loanword and often implies Western-style antiques or a more casual, trendy atmosphere. If you're unsure, 骨董品店 is a safe, general choice.
京都の骨董品店で古い掛け軸を見つけた。
I found an old hanging scroll at an antique store in Kyoto.
自由が丘のアンティークショップでヨーロッパの家具を買った。
I bought European furniture at an antique shop in Jiyugaoka.
中古品店 (chuukohinten) means 'used goods store' and is not the same as an antique store. It sells secondhand items that may not be old or valuable. Use 骨董品店 or アンティークショップ for antiques.
中古品店で安いテレビを買った。
I bought a cheap TV at a used goods store.
この店は古物商の許可を得ている。
This store has a secondhand dealer license.