内閣
naikaku[na̠ika̠kɯ̟]
In Japanese, 'cabinet' is translated as 内閣 (naikaku).
内閣 refers exclusively to a political cabinet.
Meaning: storage closet (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 内閣 consists of 内, meaning 'inner/internal' and 閣, meaning 'cabinet/upper room/pavilion'.
Which one should you use?
Use 内閣 only for a government cabinet. For a physical piece of furniture like a cupboard or storage cabinet, use 戸棚 or the loanword キャビネット.
How do you pronounce it?
naikaku
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 内閣 to refer to furniture. If you are talking about a storage cabinet, use 戸棚 or キャビネット instead.
Did you know?
- The phrase 内閣改造 refers to a 'cabinet reshuffle', but the word 改造 is more commonly used for modifying machines or transforming robots.
- The character 内 in 内閣 also appears in 内緒, meaning 'secret', as both words deal with things kept 'inside' or hidden from the public.
- The loanword キャビネット is almost exclusively used for designer or modern furniture, whereas 戸棚 feels more traditional or functional.
Examples in context
- 新内閣についてどう思いますか。What do you think of the new Cabinet?This sentence is useful for asking for an opinion regarding the new 内閣.Tatoeba #145218 by bunbuku, translation #269345 by CK
- 新内閣が発足した。The new cabinet took office.This sentence is useful for stating that the new 内閣 has begun its term of office.
- 内閣が触れを回した。The Cabinet sent round an official notice.This sentence is useful for describing an official notice being sent out by the 内閣.Tatoeba #393833 by blay_paul, translation #393834 by blay_paul
- 日本の内閣は重要な役割を果たしています。The Japanese Cabinet plays an important role.
- 台所の戸棚に食器をしまいましょう。Let's put the dishes in the kitchen cabinet.
- リビングルームにキャビネットを置きました。I put a cabinet in the living room.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hime and Ren are talking about the government in the news.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい内閣はどうなると思う？Atarashii naikaku wa dō naru to omou?What do you think will happen with the new cabinet?
- 蓮 Renまだ分からないけど、期待しているよ。Mada wakaranai kedo, kitai shite iru yo.I don't know yet, but I have high hopes.
- 陽葵 Himari内閣の方針が変わるといいよね。Naikaku no hōshin ga kawaru to ii yo ne.It would be good if the cabinet's policy changes.
- 蓮 Renそうだね。明日まで待ってみよう。Sō da ne. Ashita made matte miyō.True. Let's wait until tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 内閣, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
