Japanese meaning of 天地無用
Reading:
てんちむよう (tenchi muyou)
English Translation:
Handle without needing to keep upright
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Handle without keeping upright
Cultural Context:
Shipping labels, also used idiomatically for "rules don't apply."
上下を気にせず運ぶこと（荷札表記）。
輸送表示の文脈や「規則無用」の比喩的表現。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase on a “Do not turn upside down” label; often with “注意.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as a philosophical phrase.
Example
Basic Example
この箱は天地無用と書かれている。
This box is marked “handle without needing to keep upright.”
Applied Example
古びた宝箱には「天地無用」の札が貼られており、傾けると中から妖気が漏れ出しそうだった。
The old treasure chest bore a seal reading "Handle without needing to keep upright," and tilting it seemed to let out a sinister aura.