Translation guide
A bookcase is a piece of furniture with shelves for storing books. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 本棚 (ほんだな), but other terms exist depending on size, style, and whether it has doors.
A piece of furniture with open shelves for storing books, typically found in homes or offices.
The most common and general term for a bookcase or bookshelf. Refers to a piece of furniture with shelves specifically for books.
新しい本棚を買いました。
I bought a new bookcase.
本棚に本を並べる。
I arrange books on the bookcase.
A more formal or literary term for a bookcase or bookshelf. Often used in libraries or formal settings.
図書館の書架には多くの本が並んでいる。
Many books are lined up on the library bookcases.
Literally 'book box', this can refer to a small bookcase or a box for storing books. Less common than 本棚.
子供の頃、本箱に絵本を入れていた。
When I was a child, I kept picture books in a small bookcase.
A cabinet-style bookcase with glass or solid doors, often used for display or protection.
Even bookcases with doors are commonly called 本棚. You can specify by adding ガラス戸付き (with glass doors) if needed.
ガラス戸付きの本棚が欲しい。
I want a bookcase with glass doors.
Similar to 本棚 but slightly more formal. Can refer to a bookcase with or without doors.
A shelf fixed to the wall rather than a freestanding piece of furniture.
Also used for built-in shelves. Context usually makes it clear.
壁に作り付けの本棚がある。
There is a built-in bookcase on the wall.
Can refer to shelving units in libraries, often built-in.
I keep valuable books in the bookcase.
The bookshelves are installed along the entire wall.