Translation guide
How to express 'shelve' in Japanese, covering literal shelving of objects, postponing plans, and figurative dismissal.
To delay or suspend a plan, project, or idea indefinitely or temporarily.
Literally 'put on the shelf', this is the most direct equivalent for shelving a plan or proposal. Commonly used in business and formal contexts.
その計画は棚上げにされた。
The plan was shelved.
予算不足でプロジェクトは棚上げになっている。
The project has been shelved due to budget constraints.
To place an object onto a shelf.
The most straightforward way to say 'put on a shelf'. Use this for books, items, etc.
本を棚に置いてください。
Please shelve the books.
Implies putting away neatly on a shelf, often after use.
To discard or ignore a suggestion or proposal.
Formal term for rejecting a proposal or request outright. Stronger than 'shelve' but used when an idea is dismissed.
彼の提案は却下された。
His suggestion was shelved (rejected).
Both mean to postpone, but 棚上げにする implies indefinite shelving, often due to problems, while 見送る suggests a deliberate decision to wait for a better opportunity. 見送る is more neutral and forward-looking.
景気悪化で計画は棚上げだ。
The plan is shelved due to the recession.
今回は見送りますが、また検討します。
We'll shelve it this time, but will consider it again.
Avoid directly translating 'shelve' as 棚に入れる for figurative meanings. Use 棚上げにする for postponing plans, not for physical shelving.
Means to postpone or pass on something for now, often with the nuance of waiting for a better time. Common in business.
新製品の発売は来年に見送られた。
The launch of the new product was shelved until next year.
Simply means 'postpone'. Less figurative than 'shelve', but works when a decision is delayed.
会議は延期された。
The meeting was shelved (postponed).
Means to put on hold or reserve judgment. Suitable for shelving a decision temporarily.
その案は保留になった。
The proposal was shelved (put on hold).
Literally 'go into the storehouse', used for projects, films, or ideas that are shelved indefinitely, often with a sense of being abandoned. Somewhat dramatic.
彼の脚本はお蔵入りになった。
His script was shelved (indefinitely).
使ったら棚にしまってね。
Shelve it after use.
Means to line up or arrange on a shelf, like in a store or library.
新刊を棚に並べた。
I shelved the new arrivals.
Means 'ignore'. Can be used when an idea is shelved by simply not considering it.
そのアイデアは無視された。
The idea was shelved (ignored).