1.
ornament; decoration; decorative object
An object used for decorative purposes, such as seasonal ornaments, display items, or accessories placed for visual appeal.
棚に飾り物を置く。
To place decorations on a shelf.
クリスマスの飾り物を買いに行った。
I went to buy Christmas decorations.
玄関に季節の飾り物を並べるのが母の楽しみだ。
Arranging seasonal decorations in the entryway is my mother's hobby.
2.
figurehead; nominal role; mere show
Something or someone that exists in name only, without real function or authority. Used to describe a position or title that carries no actual power.
社長は飾り物だ。
The company president is just a figurehead.
その規則は飾り物にすぎない。
That rule is nothing more than window dressing.
委員長は飾り物で、実際に決めているのは副委員長だ。
The chairman is just a figurehead; it's the vice chairman who actually makes the decisions.
USAGE:
In sense 2, this word is often used critically to describe someone or something that lacks real substance or authority. The expression 飾り物にすぎない (nothing more than decoration) is especially common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 飾り物を飾る (to put up decorations)
- 飾り物にすぎない (to be nothing more than show)
- 飾り物の社長 (figurehead president)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 置き物: ornament, objet d'art — a decorative object placed on display, without the figurehead meaning
- 名ばかり: in name only — similar to sense 2, but used as a modifier