Translation guide
The English word 'pottery' can refer to the craft of making pots, the objects themselves, or the place where they are made. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word depending on the intended meaning.
Referring to pottery as an activity, art form, or traditional craft.
The most common word for pottery as an art or craft. It emphasizes the artistic and creative aspect.
I attend a pottery class on weekends.
Pottery is one of Japan's traditional crafts.
A broader term for fired pottery or ceramics. Can refer to the craft or the products, but is less specific to the artistic process than 陶芸.
I came to Japan to learn pottery techniques.
Literally 'making of pottery and porcelain'. Used in technical or industrial contexts.
This region is famous for pottery making.
Referring to the physical items made of fired clay, such as bowls, vases, plates.
The most common general term for pottery items. It covers earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain in everyday language.
This shop sells beautiful pottery.
Specifically refers to earthenware or pottery (as opposed to porcelain). Often used for thicker, more rustic items.
A traditional term for pottery, originally referring to products from Seto. Still used in some regions and in set phrases like 瀬戸物屋 (pottery shop).
Referring to a physical location where pottery is produced.
A pottery studio or workshop, often used for small-scale artistic production.
She makes her works in her own pottery studio.
A pottery workshop or kiln site, often a family-run business with a long tradition. Implies a place where firing takes place.
A pottery factory or manufacturing plant. More industrial than 陶房 or 窯元.
焼き物 is the broadest term for all fired ceramics. 陶器 (とうき) is pottery/earthenware, usually opaque and thicker. 磁器 (じき) is porcelain, typically white, thin, and translucent. In everyday conversation, 焼き物 is safe for general 'pottery'.
The loanword ポッタリー is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
祖母の家には古い焼き物がたくさんあります。
My grandmother's house has a lot of old pottery.
この陶器の花瓶は手作りです。
This pottery vase is handmade.
瀬戸物の皿を割ってしまった。
I broke a pottery plate.
この窯元では見学を受け付けています。
This pottery offers tours.
There is a large pottery factory in this town.