Refers to a tool, implement, or apparatus, often in compound words. As a standalone noun, it is somewhat formal or technical.
This experiment requires precise instruments.
Refers to a container for holding things, such as a bowl, dish, or receptacle. Often used in compound words like 食器 (tableware) or 容器 (container).
Refers to a person's innate ability, talent, or capacity. Often used in expressions like 器が大きい (broad-minded, generous) or 器が小さい (petty, small-minded).
He is a broad-minded person.
The 器 in 計器 represents a measuring device.
Please serve the food in this vessel.
Ceramic vessels have a warm feel.
He has the caliber to be a leader.
That person is broad-minded, so they don't sweat the small stuff.
I plated the food in a beautiful dish.
Getting angry over something like that shows how petty you are.
After the meal, I washed the dishes.
容器 is the common, neutral word for a container, while 器 sounds more literary and is favored for tableware like bowls and dishes.
才能 refers to a specific talent or skill, while 器 in this sense refers to a person's overall character, capacity, or leadership caliber.
器量 overlaps with 器 in meaning 'personal caliber' but also commonly refers to looks or appearance, a sense 器 lacks.
器 means a vessel or instrument and can be confused with 機 since both appear as suffixes on equipment names, as in 容器 versus 洗濯機.
counter for small objects; counter for pieces · counter for military units · individual; one person · counter for years of age difference; counter for school years
Standard kanji spelling for all senses.
The kanji 器 originally depicted a container with a lid, representing a vessel or utensil. The extended meaning of 'ability' or 'capacity' comes from the idea of a vessel's capacity to hold things, metaphorically applied to a person's character or talent.
skillful; dexterous; handy · clever; shrewd; ingenious
clumsy; awkward; unskillful · incompetent; inept; socially awkward
organ
dangerous weapon; lethal weapon; murder weapon
pottery; earthenware; ceramics
stone tool; stone implement
earthenware; pottery · unglazed earthenware; bisque-fired pottery
small arms; firearms
urinary organs
meter; gauge; measuring instrument
ceramics; pottery and porcelain
sacred treasure; the three sacred treasures · ritual implement; ceremonial object
firearms; guns
particle accelerator
hearing aid
blunt weapon
porcelain; china; chinaware
equipment and materials; tools and supplies
electric goods; electrical appliances
ironware; iron tools; iron utensils
lacquerware; lacquer ware