1.
tobacco shop; cigarette shop
A small shop specializing in selling cigarettes, tobacco products, and often stamps and prepaid cards. A traditional feature of Japanese neighborhoods, though declining in number.
A compound of たばこ (tobacco/cigarettes) + 屋 (shop). Traditional たばこ屋 are small, often family-run shops typically located at street corners. They were once ubiquitous in Japan and served as neighborhood landmarks and informal gathering spots.
Common collocations
- たばこ屋のおばあちゃん: the old lady at the tobacco shop
- 町のたばこ屋: the neighborhood tobacco shop
- たばこ屋で買う: to buy at the tobacco shop
Cultural note
Traditional たばこ屋 also sell 収入印紙 (revenue stamps), 切手 (postage stamps), and 宝くじ (lottery tickets). With the spread of convenience stores and vending machines, standalone tobacco shops have become increasingly rare, especially in urban areas.