How to say "rack" in Japanese

• 棚たなJLPT N4approx.Common
  nounCovers rack-like fixtures that essentially function as shelves, such as a spice or shoe rack built with horizontal boards. Choose it when the item is clearly shelf-shaped rather than a frame of bars or pegs.
  その本ほんはいちばん上うえの棚たなに置おいてください。↗

  Put the book on the top shelf.
• ラックCommon
  nounThe most direct word for a rack, covering household and equipment racks such as a coat rack, wine rack, or stereo rack. When you simply mean 'a rack', this loanword is usually the safest choice.
  上着うわぎと帽子ぼうしを向むこうのラックにかけなさい。↗

  Hang your coat and hat up on the rack over there.
• 台だいJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, noun (suffix)Best when the object is really a stand, base, or pedestal rather than a rack proper — something an appliance or tool rests on. It suits rack senses only where the thing serves as a supporting stand.
  この台だいの上うえに花瓶かびんを置おいてはいけません。↗

  Please don't place a vase on this stand.
• 架かCommon
  nounGlossed as 'rack', but in practice this character is chiefly a written or technical word for mounting or supporting something. It is seldom the everyday word you want for a physical rack; prefer one of the others.

For everyday 'rack', choose 「ラック」 as the default; use 棚 when the object is shelf-like, 台 when it is a stand or base, and treat 架 as mostly appearing in written or specialized contexts.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 棚たなshelf
• ラックrack
• 台だいstand
• 架かrack
• 拷問台ごうもんだいrack (torture device)
• カードルpallet (for storing or transporting gas cylinders)
• しぼるto rack (one's brains)
• かけhanger