卓上(たくじょう)

たくじょう
noun, no-adjective
tabletop; desktop; on the table
descriptive
1. tabletop; desktop; on the table
Refers to the surface of a table or desk, or something designed for use on a table. Very commonly used as a modifier for compact products meant to sit on a desk or table.
卓上(たくじょう)カレンダーを置(お)く。
To place a desk calendar.
卓上(たくじょう)ライトで手元(てもと)を明(あか)るくした。
I brightened my workspace with a desk lamp.
卓上(たくじょう)サイズの加湿器(かしつき)は場所(ばしょ)を取(と)らなくて便利(べんり)だ。
A tabletop-sized humidifier is convenient because it doesn't take up space.
2. theoretical; on paper only
Figuratively refers to something that exists only in discussion or theory, not in practice. Often used in the phrase 卓上(たくじょう)の空論(くうろん) (armchair theory).
それは卓上(たくじょう)の空論(くうろん)にすぎない。
That is nothing more than armchair theorizing.
卓上(たくじょう)の議論(ぎろん)ばかりでは何(なに)も変(か)わらない。
Nothing will change with only theoretical discussions.
現場(げんば)を知(し)らずに卓上(たくじょう)で計画(けいかく)を立(た)てても意味(いみ)がない。
There's no point making plans on paper without knowing the actual situation on the ground.

A versatile word used both literally and figuratively. In its literal sense, it is extremely common as a product descriptor for compact items designed for desk or table use. In its figurative sense, it implies impracticality.

Common collocations

  • 卓上(たくじょう)カレンダー: desk calendar
  • 卓上(たくじょう)ライト: desk lamp
  • 卓上(たくじょう)加湿器(かしつき): desktop humidifier
  • 卓上(たくじょう)の空論(くうろん): armchair theory; impractical theorizing
  • 卓上(たくじょう)コンロ: tabletop stove

Similar words

general
Added 2026.4.8 5:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
22500/22894_takujou