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.
玄関に置物を飾る。
To display an ornament in the entryway.
祖父が集めた陶器の置物がたくさんある。
There are many ceramic figurines that my grandfather collected.
床の間に季節の置物を置いている。
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.
あの社長は置物だ。
That president is just a figurehead.
置物のように黙って座っている。
Sitting silently like an ornament.
会議で何も発言しないなら、置物と同じだ。
If you don't say anything in the meeting, you're no different from a decoration.
Composed of 置く (to place) + 物 (thing). Literally 'a thing that is placed.' In Japanese homes, 置物 are commonly displayed in the 床の間 (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 implies they serve no real function and just take up space. It is direct and somewhat harsh.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 置物を飾る — to display an ornament
- 陶器の置物 — ceramic ornament
- ガラスの置物 — glass figurine
- 招き猫の置物 — maneki-neko figurine
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 飾り — decoration; broader term for anything decorative
- 人形 — doll, figure; specifically human or animal-shaped
- 調度品 — furnishings; broader category including functional decorative items