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.
卓上カレンダーを置く。
To place a desk calendar.
卓上ライトで手元を明るくした。
I brightened my workspace with a desk lamp.
卓上サイズの加湿器は場所を取らなくて便利だ。
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 卓上の空論 (armchair theory).
それは卓上の空論にすぎない。
That is nothing more than armchair theorizing.
卓上の議論ばかりでは何も変わらない。
Nothing will change with only theoretical discussions.
現場を知らずに卓上で計画を立てても意味がない。
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:
- 卓上カレンダー: desk calendar
- 卓上ライト: desk lamp
- 卓上加湿器: desktop humidifier
- 卓上の空論: armchair theory; impractical theorizing
- 卓上コンロ: tabletop stove
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 机上: on the desk — nearly synonymous; 机上の空論 is more common than 卓上の空論
- テーブルの上: on the table — plain spoken equivalent for the literal sense