器

• 読み: うつわ
• ローマ字: utsuwa
• 漢字の分解: 器 (utsuwa/ki) — vessel, container, capacity
• 発音: /ɯ.tsɯ.ɯa/

意味

Vessel; container; a person's calibre or capacity. Describes both a physical receptacle and someone's potential or magnanimity.

The figurative meaning of human capacity or depth of character (人間の器) is especially common in N1 discourse. 器が大きい describes someone magnanimous and capable; 器が小さい describes someone petty or limited. Often used when evaluating leadership qualities. The dual literal/figurative usage is a hallmark of this word.

例文

1. あの政治家は器が大きく、批判にも動じない落ち着きがある。
2. 失敗を糧にできるかどうかで、その人の器が見えてくる。
3. 土器の破片から、当時の人々がどのような器を使っていたかが分かる。

使い方ガイド

場面: character assessment, leadership, philosophy, everyday life

トーン: reflective

起源と歴史

An ancient Japanese word (和語). Originally referred to any physical container, the metaphorical extension to human capacity developed through classical literature, where the image of a vessel holding potential became a natural analogy for character.

文化的背景

時代: Ancient

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal