陶芸
tōgei[to̞ːɡe̞ː]
The Japanese word for ceramics is 陶芸 (tōgei).
陶芸 refers specifically to the discipline, craft or the act of making pottery and ceramic art.
Meaning: ceramic objects as a group (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters for 'pottery/ceramics' (陶) and 'art/craft' (芸).
Which one should you use?
While 陶芸 focuses on the art and the practice of making pottery, if you are referring to the physical category of ceramic products like plates or vases, the term 陶磁器 (tōjiki) is more common.
How do you pronounce it?
tōgei
Did you know?
- When a piece of 陶磁器 (tōjiki) breaks, it is not always thrown away. The art of 金継ぎ (kintsugi) uses gold-dusted lacquer to repair the cracks, turning the damage into a beautiful part of the object's history.
- In Japan, the craft of 陶芸 is often linked to the tea ceremony, where a 'perfect' piece is not one without flaws, but one that embodies wabi-sabi or the beauty of imperfection.
- The character 芸 in 陶芸 is the same one used in 芸能 (geinō), meaning 'show business' or 'performing arts'.
Examples in context
- 日本の陶器は美しいですね。Japanese ceramics are beautiful, aren't they?
- はい、日本の陶器は本当に素晴らしいです。Yes, Japanese ceramics are truly amazing.
- この焼き物はどこで手に入れましたか？Where did you get this ceramic piece?
- それは友達が京都から送ってきた陶器です。It is a pottery item that my friend sent from Kyoto.
- 陶芸はとても奥が深いです。Tōgei wa totemo oku ga fukai desu.Ceramics are a very profound art.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their weekend plans.
- 健太 Kenta今週末、陶芸を習いに行きます。Konshūmatsu, tōgei o narai ni ikimasu.I'm going to learn ceramics this weekend.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね！何を作るんですか？Ii desu ne! Nani o tsukuru n desu ka?That's nice! What are you going to make?
- 健太 Kenta簡単なマグカップを作りたいです。Kantan na magukappu o tsukuritai desu.I want to make a simple mug.
- 陽葵 Himari完成したらぜひ見せてください。Kansei shitara zehi misete kudasai.Please show it to me once it's finished.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 陶芸, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
