Meaning and Usage
陶器 (とうき) refers to pottery or ceramics, typically items made from clay and hardened by heat. It is a common term used to describe traditional or artistic ceramic objects such as plates, vases, and bowls.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 陶器 in contexts related to art, antiques, and everyday household items. It is frequently used when discussing the material or style of dishes and decorative objects.
Collocations and Patterns
- 陶器の皿 (とうきのさら): ceramic plate, often emphasizing fragility or material
- 陶器市 (とうきいち): pottery market or fair, a place to buy or sell ceramic goods
- 陶器を作る (とうきをつくる): to make pottery, used when talking about the craft or production
Register and Nuance
陶器 is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal situations. It is more specific than 陶磁器 (とうじき), which includes porcelain. Learners should note that 陶器 usually implies earthenware or stoneware rather than fine porcelain.
Common Mistakes
A common confusion is mixing 陶器 with 磁器 (じき), which means porcelain. Porcelain is generally more refined and translucent, while 陶器 is thicker and more rustic. Use 陶器 when referring to traditional pottery or ceramic items that are not porcelain.