Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'kettle' depends on the type and use. The most common distinction is between a traditional cast-iron kettle for boiling water (often used in tea ceremonies) and a modern electric or stovetop kettle. There is also a specific word for a kettle used to boil water for tea or coffee.
A heavy, cast-iron kettle used for boiling water, especially in tea ceremonies or over an open fire.
A traditional Japanese cast-iron kettle. Often used for boiling water for tea, and can be placed directly over a fire. It has a spout and a handle over the top.
鉄瓶でお湯を沸かす。
I boil water in a cast-iron kettle.
A kettle used in modern kitchens, either electric or placed on a stove, for boiling water.
A general term for a kettle, typically made of metal, with a spout and a handle. Used on a stove. Can also refer to a teakettle.
やかんでお湯を沸かしてください。
Please boil water in the kettle.
An electric kettle. Very common in modern Japanese households. Often simply called ケトル.
Loanword from English, often used for electric kettles or stylish stovetop kettles. Can be ambiguous, but in context usually means an electric kettle.
A kettle specifically used for brewing tea, often with a built-in infuser or designed for pouring hot water into a teapot.
A small teapot with a side handle, used for brewing Japanese green tea. Not a kettle in the Western sense, but often translated as 'teakettle' in some contexts. Note: this is a teapot, not a water-boiling kettle.
急須 is a teapot, not a kettle. Do not use it to boil water; it is for steeping tea.
急須でお茶を入れる。
I make tea with a teapot.
A loanword specifically for a teakettle, often used for Western-style tea. Can be stovetop or electric.
ティーケトルで紅茶を入れるためのお湯を沸かす。
I boil water for black tea in a teakettle.
やかん is a kettle for boiling water, while 急須 is a teapot for brewing tea. Using 急須 to boil water can damage it.
やかんでお湯を沸かして、急須でお茶を入れる。
Boil water in a kettle, then brew tea in a teapot.
In modern Japanese homes, 電気ケトル (electric kettle) is very popular. You can often just say ケトル and be understood.
電気ケトルでお湯を沸かす。
I boil water with an electric kettle.
I bought a new kettle.