Kanji 湯 hot water, bath, hot spring Related words 湯呑み茶碗 is the full, formal term for the same handleless teacup, while 湯飲み is the shortened form used in everyday speech.
カップ is a general word for a cup, usually one with a handle (like a coffee cup), whereas 湯飲み specifically means a handleless Japanese-style teacup.
湯呑み is a cylindrical, lidless cup used specifically for drinking tea, while 茶碗 can refer to a wider bowl used for rice, tea, or general food.
Don't confuse with 湯飲み is a handleless traditional Japanese teacup, whereas マグカップ has a handle and is used for coffee, tea, or soup in a more Western style.
Counted with 湯飲み is traditionally counted with 客 , the counter used for cups and bowls meant to serve guests.
In everyday speech 湯飲み is often simply counted with 個 , the generic counter for small objects.
Written forms 湯ゆ 飲の み Usage 40%
Common kanji spelling; this form has the highest priority.
湯ゆ 呑の み Usage 26%
Variant using 呑 (a non-jōyō kanji for 'drink'). Seen but less common than 湯飲み .
湯ゆ のみ Usage 23%
Common kana-mixed spelling; this form has high priority.
湯ゆ 呑のみ Usage 10%
Abbreviated kanji form using 呑 ; rare in modern writing.
湯ゆ 飲のみ Usage <1%
Abbreviated kanji form; rare in modern writing.
Etymology Abbreviation of 湯呑み茶碗 (yunomi chawan), literally 'tea-drinking bowl'. The kanji 湯 means 'hot water/tea', and 飲み /呑み means 'drink'.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
