置物(おきもの)

おきもの
noun
ornament; figurine; decorative object
daily-lifeart
1. ornament; figurine; decorative object
A decorative item placed on a shelf, table, or in an alcove for display. Includes figurines, vases, sculptures, and other objects valued for their visual appeal.
玄関(げんかん)に置物(おきもの)を飾(かざ)る。
To display an ornament in the entryway.
祖父(そふ)が集(あつ)めた陶器(とうき)の置物(おきもの)がたくさんある。
There are many ceramic figurines that my grandfather collected.
床(とこ)の間(ま)に季節(きせつ)の置物(おきもの)を置(お)いている。
We place seasonal ornaments in the tokonoma alcove.
2. figurehead; person who is just for show
A person in a position of authority or responsibility who has no real power or does nothing — just sits there like a decorative object.
あの社長(しゃちょう)は置物(おきもの)だ。
That president is just a figurehead.
置物(おきもの)のように黙(だま)って座(すわ)っている。
Sitting silently like an ornament.
会議(かいぎ)で何(なに)も発言(はつげん)しないなら、置物(おきもの)と同(おな)じだ。
If you don't say anything in the meeting, you're no different from a decoration.

Composed of 置(お)く (to place) + 物(もの) (thing). Literally 'a thing that is placed.' In Japanese homes, 置物(おきもの) are commonly displayed in the 床(とこ)の間(ま) (tokonoma alcove) or entrance areas, and are often changed with the seasons.

Usage

Sense 2 is a common metaphorical usage with a critical nuance — calling someone a 置物(おきもの) implies they serve no real function and just take up space. It is direct and somewhat harsh.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 飾(かざ)り — decoration; broader term for anything decorative
  • 人形(にんぎょう) — doll, figure; specifically human or animal-shaped
  • 調度品(ちょうどひん) — furnishings; broader category including functional decorative items

Related Words

Compare: 飾(かざ)り (decoration)
Compare: 人形(にんぎょう) (doll, figure)
Compare: オブジェ (art object)
general
Added 2026.3.27 14:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
19500/19885_okimono