店先(みせさき)

Composed of 店(みせ) (shop) + 先(さき) (front/ahead). Refers to the area immediately in front of or at the entrance of a shop, often where goods are displayed outdoors.

Common collocations

• 店先(みせさき)に並(なら)べる: to display in front of a shop
• 店先(みせさき)で売(う)る: to sell at the storefront
• 店先(みせさき)に立(た)つ: to stand at the shop front
• 店先(みせさき)の看板(かんばん): a sign at the shop front

Usage

Evokes a traditional or small-business atmosphere — fruit stands, flower shops, and local stores that display goods outside. Less commonly used for modern chain stores or malls.

Similar words

• 店頭(てんとう): shop front, over the counter — more formal; often used in business/financial contexts (店頭販売(てんとうはんばい), over-the-counter sales)
• 軒先(のきさき): under the eaves — specifically the area under the roof overhang, not the full storefront