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.
electric kettle
stovetop kettle
traditional cast-iron kettle
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.
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.
Please boil water in the kettle.
An electric kettle. Very common in modern Japanese households. Often simply called .
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.
I make tea with a teapot.
A loanword specifically for a teakettle, often used for Western-style tea. Can be stovetop or electric.
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.
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.
I boil water with an electric kettle.
I bought a new kettle.
I boil water for black tea in a teakettle.