磁器

• Reading: じき
• Romaji: jiki
• Kanji breakdown: 磁 (ji) — magnet, mineral; 器 (ki) — vessel, utensil
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ki/

Meaning

Porcelain; chinaware. Fine ceramic ware fired at high temperatures.

A noun referring to high-quality ceramics fired at very high temperatures, producing a translucent, glass-like finish. Distinguished from 陶器 (tōki, earthenware/pottery), which is fired at lower temperatures and is more porous. Japan has famous porcelain traditions such as Arita-yaki and Kutani-yaki.

Examples

1. この美術館には江戸時代の磁器が展示されている。 This museum has porcelain from the Edo period on display.
2. 磁器と陶器の違いを説明してもらえますか。 Could you explain the difference between porcelain and earthenware?
3. 有田焼は日本を代表する磁器の一つだ。 Arita-yaki is one of Japan's most iconic types of porcelain.

Usage Guide

Context: art, culture, shopping

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 磁 (ji, from 磁石 meaning lodestone, but here referring to the mineral quality of the clay) combined with 器 (ki, vessel/utensil).

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal