도자기
dojagi[to̞d͡ʑa̠ɡi]
The Korean word for ceramics is 도자기 (dojagi).
도자기 refers to the category of ceramic objects, which encompasses both traditional earthenware and fine porcelain. If you want to refer specifically to the art and craft of pottery-making, the term 도예 is used instead.
Meaning: ceramic objects as a group (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 도자기 is used to name the objects themselves, you may encounter 도자기제 (dojagi-je) when you need an adjective to describe something as being 'ceramic' or 'made of pottery'.
How do you pronounce it?
dojagi
Did you know?
- Korean master potters often leave small, intentional flaws in their 도자기 to embody the philosophy of 'naturalness' and the beauty of imperfection.
- While 도자기 covers all ceramics, the specific earthenware 옹기 is prized for being 'breathable' to allow fermented foods to age.
- The characters used in the etymological root 陶瓷器 can be found in many other East Asian languages, meaning the concept of 'ceramics' shares a deep, written connection across the Sinosphere.
Examples in context
- 이 박물관에는 다양한 도자기가 있어요.i bangmulgwaneun dayanghan dojagi-ga isseoyo.There are various ceramics in this museum.
- 그는 도자기를 만드는 것이 취미예요.geuneun dojagi-reul mandeuneun geosi chwimi-yeyo.His hobby is making ceramics.
- 도자기는 깨지기 쉬우니 조심하세요.dojagi-neun kkaejigi swiuni josim-haseyo.Ceramics are fragile, so please be careful.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are visiting an art exhibition.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 저 도자기 정말 예쁘네요.Jieun ssi, jeo dojagi jeongmal yeppeuneyo.Jieun, those ceramics are really beautiful.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 현우 씨. 색감이 정말 좋아요.majayo, Hyunwoo ssi. saekgam-i jeongmal joayo.You're right, Hyunwoo. The colors are really lovely.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo직접 도자기를 만들어보고 싶어요.jikjeop dojagi-reul mandeureobogo sipeoyo.I want to try making ceramics myself.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 다음에 같이 공방에 가요.geureom daeum-e gachi gongbang-e gayo.Then let's go to a workshop together next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 도자기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 도자기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
