Translation and Meaning of: 戸棚 - todana

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 戸棚 (とだな). It is quite common in everyday Japanese and appears in various contexts, from daily conversations to anime and manga. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical use, and some curiosities that can help with memorization. Additionally, we will see how this word is perceived in Japanese culture and tips for using it correctly.

Meaning and use of 戸棚 (とだな)

戸棚 (とだな) means "cabinet" or "wardrobe." It is a word composed of two kanji: 戸 (と), which refers to doors or panels, and 棚 (たな), meaning shelf or rack. Together, they form the idea of a piece of furniture with doors and compartments for storage, such as a kitchen cabinet or wardrobe.

In Japan, 戸棚 is often used to describe closed furniture that stores everyday items. For example, 食器戸棚 (しょっきとだな) is the dish cabinet, while 洋服戸棚 (ようふくとだな) can refer to a wardrobe. The word is neutral and appears in both formal and informal contexts, being essential for those who want to describe domestic environments in Japanese.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 戸棚 traces back to the practical use of the kanjis that compose it. 戸 (と) originally represented the doors of traditional Japanese houses, made of wood and paper. On the other hand, 棚 (たな) has always been associated with storage structures, such as shelves and racks. The combination of these ideograms reflects the object's function: a piece of furniture with doors and internal compartments.

It is worth noting that, although 戸棚 is the most common form, some regional variations or specific contexts may use terms like クローゼット (from English "closet") for wardrobes. However, 戸棚 remains the standard word in dictionaries and everyday situations, reinforcing its importance in Japanese vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fixate on 戸棚 is to associate it with concrete objects. If you have a cabinet at home, try sticking a post-it with 戸棚 on it. Another tip is to create simple sentences, like "戸棚に本を入れます" (I will put the book in the cabinet), to practice using it in real contexts.

Moreover, it is worth noting that 戸棚 is not used for built-in cabinets or furniture without doors – in these cases, terms like 本棚 (ほんだな, bookshelf) are more appropriate. Paying attention to these details helps avoid common mistakes among Japanese language learners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• キャビネット (kyabinetto) - Storage cabinet with doors, usually used in offices or kitchens.
• 収納棚 (shuunoudana) - Shelf for storage, focused on organizing items.
• 食器棚 (shokkidana) - Specific cabinet for plates and kitchen utensils.
• 戸棚 (todana) - Cabinet or shelf with doors, used for storing various items.
• カップボード (kappubōdo) - Kitchen cabinet with shelves for glasses and plates.

戸棚

Romaji: todana
Kana: とだな
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: cabinet; lock

Meaning in English: cupboard;locker

Definition: A storage space installed in homes, shops, etc.

Example Sentences - (戸棚) todana

See below some example sentences:

私の部屋には大きな戸棚があります。

Watashi no heya ni wa ookina todana ga arimasu

There's a big closet in my room.

There's a big closet in my room.

• 私の部屋には - "In my classroom"
• 大きな - "large"
• 戸棚 - "closet"
• が - subject particle
• あります - exist