Meaning and Usage
The word 碗 (わん) refers specifically to a small bowl typically used for rice or soup in Japanese meals. It is a common household item and often appears in daily conversation related to food and dining.
Common Collocations
- お茶碗 (おちゃわん): rice bowl, very common in daily life.
- 茶碗を割る: to break a bowl, a frequent phrase when talking about accidents.
- 古い碗: an old or antique bowl, often used when discussing collectibles or family heirlooms.
Register and Nuance
碗 is a neutral term, neither formal nor informal, and is widely used in everyday speech. When combined with お (お茶碗), it becomes a polite way to refer to a rice bowl.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 碗 with 器 (うつわ), which means container or vessel more generally. 碗 specifically means a bowl, especially for rice or soup, so use 碗 when referring to this kind of dishware.