도자기
dojagi[to̞d͡ʑa̠ɡi]
The English word "pottery" is translated into Korean as 도자기 (dojagi).
도자기 is a general term used for pottery or ceramics.
Meaning: practise or craft of making pottery (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 도자기 is a general term for pottery or ceramics, it is often used to refer specifically to the finished products rather than the act of making them. If you want to refer specifically to the art or the craft of pottery-making, use 도예.
How do you pronounce it?
dojagi
Did you know?
- The word 도자기 is composed of two different types of pottery: 도 refers to earthenware and 자기 refers to porcelain. Using them together creates a comprehensive term for all ceramics.
- In traditional Korean culture, the 'moon jar' or 달항아리 is a celebrated form of 백자 known for its intentionally imperfect, asymmetrical shape.
- When discussing the material itself, Koreans often use the word 흙, meaning 'earth' or 'soil', to refer to the clay used in pottery-making.
Examples in context
- 나는 친구와 함께 도자 작품 만들기를 배우고 있어요.I am learning to make pottery with my friend.
- 작은 도자기 모음을 전시회에서 볼 수 있어요.You can see a collection of small pottery at the exhibition.
- 도자기를 만들다To make pottery
- 도자기는 정말 아름다워요.dojagineun jeongmal areumdawoyo.Pottery is truly beautiful.
- 저는 도자기를 직접 만들고 싶어요.jeoneun dojagireul jikjeop mandeulgo sipeoyo.I want to make pottery myself.
- 이 도자기는 전통적인 방식이에요.i dojagineun jeontongjeogin bangsigieyo.This pottery is made in a traditional way.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are at a craft fair.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이 도자기 어때요?Minji ssi, i dojagi eottaeyo?Minji, what do you think of this pottery?
- 민지 Min-ji색깔이 정말 예쁜 것 같아요.saekkari jeongmal yeppeun geot gatayo.I think the color is really pretty.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 선물로 사 드릴까요?jega seonmullo sa deurilkkayo?Shall I buy it for you as a gift?
- 민지 Min-ji와, 정말 감사해요, 현우 씨!wa, jeongmal gamsahaeyo, Hyunwoo ssi!Wow, thank you so much, Hyunwoo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 도자기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
