Translation guide
A shelf used to display items, such as in a store, museum, or home. Japanese distinguishes between general display shelves, built-in alcoves, and specific types like glass cases.
display shelf (general)
A shelf for showing items, often in a retail or home setting.
The most direct and common term for a display shelf, especially in stores or exhibitions.
We arranged the new products on the display shelf.
Often used for shelves in museums, galleries, or exhibitions where items are displayed for viewing.
Old pottery is placed on the display shelf in the museum.
A decorative shelf, often in a home, used to display ornaments or collectibles. Implies a more aesthetic purpose.
I display family photos on the decorative shelf in the living room.
A built-in shelf within a tokonoma, used to display art or flowers.
Refers specifically to the shelf inside a tokonoma. Often used for displaying a vase or scroll.
I placed an ikebana arrangement on the display shelf in the alcove.
A staggered shelf unit often found in a tokonoma or traditional Japanese room, used for displaying ornaments.
A shelf with glass doors or panels, often used in stores or museums to protect items.
Commonly used for a glass display case with shelves. Often implies a freestanding unit.
The precious jewels are displayed on a shelf inside a glass case.
A showcase, often with glass, used in retail. Can refer to the entire unit, including shelves.
陳列棚 is for commercial display (products). 展示棚 is for exhibition (art, artifacts). 飾り棚 is for decorative display at home. Use 棚 alone if context is clear.
違い棚に香炉と茶碗を置いています。
I have an incense burner and a tea bowl on the staggered display shelf.
Croissants are lined up on the shelf in the bakery's display case.