瓷器

• Pinyin: cí qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 瓷 = 次 + 瓦 (porcelain); 器 = four 口 + 犬 (vessel, container)

Meaning

Porcelain; chinaware. Fine ceramic objects made from porcelain, including dishes, vases, and decorative items.

A general term for porcelain objects. Chinese porcelain was historically a major export and influenced ceramics worldwide. Antique Chinese porcelain is highly valued by collectors. The idiom 小心翼翼，如履薄冰 often accompanies handling precious 瓷器.

Examples

1. 博物馆里收藏了大量明清时期的瓷器精品。 The museum houses a large collection of exquisite porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
2. 中国古代瓷器在国际拍卖会上屡创天价。 Ancient Chinese porcelain repeatedly fetches record prices at international auctions.
3. 这家店专门经营手工瓷器，每件都是独一无二的。 This shop specializes in handmade porcelain — every piece is one of a kind.

Usage Guide

Context: art, antiques, household

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这套瓷器是清代官窑的作品。(This porcelain set is from the Qing dynasty imperial kiln.)
• 瓷器易碎，搬运时要格外小心。(Porcelain is fragile; be extra careful when moving it.)

Don't Say

• 我买了一个塑料瓷器 (Contradictory — 瓷器 specifically means porcelain, not plastic)

Origin & History

Compound of 瓷 (porcelain) + 器 (vessel, utensil). Together meaning objects/vessels made of porcelain.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal