陶瓷

• Pinyin: táo cí
• Hanzi breakdown: 陶 = 阝(mound) + 匋 (pottery); 瓷 = 次 (secondary) + 瓦 (tile, pottery)

Meaning

Ceramics; pottery; porcelain. Traditional Chinese craft material.

Encompasses both earthenware (陶) and porcelain (瓷). China is historically famous for ceramics, especially blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen. Used in art, tableware, and construction materials.

Examples

1. 景德镇的陶瓷工艺闻名世界，每年吸引无数游客前来参观。 Jingdezhen's ceramic craftsmanship is world-famous, attracting countless visitors every year.
2. 这套陶瓷餐具是手工制作的，每一件都独一无二。 This ceramic tableware set is handmade — each piece is unique.
3. 博物馆里陈列着各个朝代的陶瓷精品，让人叹为观止。 The museum displays ceramic masterpieces from various dynasties, leaving visitors in awe.

Usage Guide

Context: art, crafts, culture, trade

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 中国陶瓷享誉全球。(Chinese ceramics are renowned worldwide.)
• 这件陶瓷很值钱。(This piece of ceramics is very valuable.)

Don't Say

• 把塑料餐具说成'陶瓷' (Don't call plastic dishes 陶瓷 — ceramics are specifically clay-based)

Origin & History

陶 refers to earthenware, 瓷 refers to porcelain — together representing the full range of ceramic arts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal