飾(かざ)り物(もの)

かざりもの
noun
ornament; decoration; figurehead
daily-life
1. ornament; decoration; decorative object
An object used for decorative purposes, such as seasonal ornaments, display items, or accessories placed for visual appeal.
棚(たな)に飾(かざ)り物(もの)を置(お)く。
To place decorations on a shelf.
クリスマスの飾(かざ)り物(もの)を買(か)いに行(い)った。
I went to buy Christmas decorations.
玄関(げんかん)に季節(きせつ)の飾(かざ)り物(もの)を並(なら)べるのが母(はは)の楽(たの)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(しゃちょう)は飾(かざ)り物(もの)だ。
The company president is just a figurehead.
その規則(きそく)は飾(かざ)り物(もの)にすぎない。
That rule is nothing more than window dressing.
委員長(いいんちょう)は飾(かざ)り物(もの)で、実際(じっさい)に決(き)めているのは副委員長(ふくいいんちょう)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(かざ)り物(もの)にすぎない (nothing more than decoration) is especially common.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 置(お)き物(もの): ornament, objet d'art — a decorative object placed on display, without the figurehead meaning
  • 名(な)ばかり: in name only — similar to sense 2, but used as a modifier

Related Words

Synonym: 置物(おきもの) (ornament (display object))
Compare: 名(な)ばかり (in name only)
general
Added 2026.3.13 11:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
16000/16475_kazarimono