Translation guide
The English word 'porcelain' refers to a fine, white, translucent ceramic material. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 磁器 (jiki), but there are related terms for specific types, objects, and contexts.
Referring to the ceramic material itself, as in 'a porcelain vase' or 'made of porcelain'.
The standard term for porcelain as a material. Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
This vase is made of porcelain.
磁器は陶器よりも硬く、白く透き通っています。
Porcelain is harder, whiter, and more translucent than pottery.
Loanword from English, used in brand names, product descriptions, or when emphasizing Western-style porcelain.
このポーセリンの食器は軽くて丈夫です。
This porcelain tableware is light and durable.
A traditional term for ceramics, including porcelain, originally from Seto region. Often used for everyday dishes, but can sound old-fashioned or regional.
祖母の家には古い瀬戸物の皿がたくさんあります。
My grandmother's house has many old porcelain plates.
Referring to items made of porcelain, such as dishes, cups, or figurines.
Porcelain goods or products. A general term for manufactured porcelain items.
この店では高品質の磁器製品を販売しています。
This store sells high-quality porcelain products.
A broad term for pottery and ceramics, including porcelain. Commonly used in contexts like 'pottery town' or 'ceramic art'.
A collective term for pottery and porcelain, often used in industrial or artistic contexts.
Referring to famous regional porcelain styles in Japan.
Arita ware, one of the most famous Japanese porcelains, from Saga Prefecture.
有田焼の皿は美しい絵付けが特徴です。
Arita porcelain plates are characterized by beautiful painted designs.
Imari ware, another famous porcelain from the same region, often with elaborate patterns.
Kutani ware, a colorful porcelain from Ishikawa Prefecture.
磁器 (jiki) is porcelain, which is fired at high temperatures, is white, hard, and translucent. 陶器 (tōki) is pottery or earthenware, which is opaque, softer, and often thicker. In everyday language, both may be called 焼き物 (yakimono).
磁器は軽くて薄いですが、陶器は厚くて温かみがあります。
Porcelain is light and thin, while pottery is thick and has a warm feel.
When you're not sure whether something is porcelain or pottery, 焼き物 (yakimono) is a safe, natural word for ceramics in general, especially in conversation.
この焼き物はどこの産地ですか？
Where is this ceramic ware from?
有田は焼き物で有名な町です。
Arita is a town famous for its porcelain (ceramics).
An exhibition of ceramics and porcelain is being held.
伊万里焼の花瓶は海外でも人気があります。
Imari porcelain vases are popular overseas as well.
九谷焼の鮮やかな色彩が好きです。
I like the vivid colors of Kutani porcelain.