noun
public building; community building
Colloquial term for a public facility, often used in contexts like local government projects or criticism of wasteful spending. Frequently written in katakana as ハコモノ.
この町には新しいハコモノが次々と建てられている。
New public buildings are being built one after another in this town.
箱物行政への批判が高まっている。
Criticism of wasteful public works spending is growing.
noun
box-shaped furniture
Refers to furniture with a box-like shape, such as chests of drawers or bookcases. Contrasts with 脚物 (furniture with legs).
See also: 脚物
引っ越しのとき、箱物の家具は運びにくい。
When moving, box-shaped furniture is hard to carry.
noun
boxed gift
A gift presented in a box, often used in contrast to items like envelopes or unwrapped goods.
お歳暮には箱物の贈り物を選ぶことが多い。
For year-end gifts, people often choose boxed presents.
Refers to furniture with legs (e.g., tables, chairs), as opposed to 箱物 which is box-shaped furniture.
Compound of 箱 (hako, 'box') and 物 (mono, 'thing'). The public building sense is a modern colloquial extension.