卓上

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 卓上 is a noun read たくじょう, referring to the top of a desk or table or to something intended for tabletop use.
• Basic usage: Use 卓上の時計 for a tabletop clock and 卓上に置ける for something that can be placed on a table.
  • 卓上の小さな時計が正午を知らせました。 describes a small tabletop clock signaling noon; この植物は卓上に置けるほど小さいです。 says that the plant is small enough to place on a table.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 卓上の時計
  • の identifies the clock as one used or placed on a tabletop.
• 卓上に置ける
  • に marks the possible location, while the potential form 置ける means that placement there is possible.
• 置けるほど小さい
  • ほど explains the degree of smallness by saying the plant can fit on a table.