陶器

• Reading: とうき
• Romaji: touki
• Kanji breakdown: 陶 (tou) — pottery, ceramics; 器 (ki) — vessel, utensil, instrument
• Pronunciation: /toː.ki/

Meaning

Pottery; earthenware or ceramics fired at relatively low temperatures.

A noun referring to ceramic ware made from clay and fired in a kiln. Distinguished from 磁器 (porcelain, fired at higher temperatures and more translucent). Japan has a rich tradition of regional pottery styles such as 有田焼, 瀬戸焼, and 益子焼. Used as both a material term and a general word for ceramic tableware and decorative pieces.

Examples

1. 地元の陶器市で美しい茶碗を買った。 I bought a beautiful tea bowl at the local pottery fair.
2. 陶器は磁器に比べて厚みがあり温かみがある。 Pottery is thicker and has a warmer feel compared to porcelain.
3. 祖母が集めた陶器のコレクションは見事だ。 My grandmother's pottery collection is impressive.

Usage Guide

Context: art, crafts, shopping, culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 陶 (tou, pottery/ceramics) + 器 (ki, vessel/utensil). Literally 'pottery vessel,' with 陶 originally referring to the craft of shaping clay on a wheel.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal