Meaning and Usage
The word 湯飲み (ゆのみ) refers specifically to a Japanese-style teacup, typically without a handle, used for drinking green tea or other hot beverages. It is a common household item in Japan and often made of ceramic.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 湯飲み used when talking about serving tea at home or in casual settings. It is less formal than 湯呑茶碗 (ゆのみちゃわん), but both refer to similar items.
Collocations and Patterns
- 湯飲みにお茶を注ぐ: pouring tea into the teacup
- 湯飲みを割る: to break a teacup
- 手に馴染む湯飲み: a teacup that fits comfortably in the hand
Usage Notes
When using 湯飲み, note that it usually implies a small cup without a handle, different from Western-style teacups. Learners sometimes confuse 湯飲み with コップ (glass) or マグカップ (mug), but 湯飲み is more traditional and specific to Japanese tea culture.
Politeness and Register
湯飲み is a neutral term suitable for everyday conversation. It is not particularly formal or casual, so it fits well in most contexts involving tea drinking at home or informal gatherings.