卓
Meanings
General word for a table or desk. Often used in compounds like 食卓 (dining table) or 勉強卓 (study desk).
A large table is placed in the meeting room.
He sat at the desk and wrote a letter.
counter for tables, desks, etc.
Only with reading たく
Used to count tables, desks, and similar flat furniture. Reading is たく.
There are thirty desks in this classroom.
offering table (Buddhist altar); tea ceremony table
Only with reading しょく
Buddhist term for a small table used to place offerings before an altar. Also used in tea ceremony contexts. Reading is しょく.
I placed an offering table in front of the Buddhist altar and offered flowers.
tabletop incense burner
Only with reading しょく
Abbreviation of 卓香炉. Rare, specialized term. Reading is しょく.
See also: 卓香炉
卓香炉 is sometimes abbreviated as しょく.
Usage patterns
- 卓に着くto sit down at the table
Everyone sat down at the table and began the meal.
- 卓を叩くto slap/pound the table (e.g. in anger or emphasis)
He angrily pounded the table.
- 〈物〉が〈数〉卓あるthere are ... tables of something
Ten tables had been set up in the venue.
Expressions
- 卓を囲むsit around a table and eat together; have a meal together