cerámica
/θeˈɾamika/
The English word pottery is translated into Spanish as cerámica.
cerámica is used to describe the practice or craft of making pottery, as well as the physical objects produced by this craft.
Meaning: practise or craft of making pottery (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cerámica is the general term for pottery or ceramics, alfarería is more specific and refers to traditional, often rustic, earthenware or clay pottery made by a potter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, specifically in Andalusia, the term loza vidriada is used to refer to glazed pottery.
How does it change in a sentence?
cerámica is a feminine noun. When you want to refer to multiple types or collections of pottery items, you can use the plural form cerámicas.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeˈɾamika/
Did you know?
- While cerámica covers all ceramic art, the term alfarería comes from the Arabic word al-fakhār, meaning 'pottery'.
- The phrase cerámica de Talavera refers to a world-famous style of pottery from Puebla, Mexico, which was originally inspired by a town in Spain.
- While cerámica describes the object, the Spanish word barro is often used colloquially to refer to the clay pottery itself.
Examples in context
- Esta tienda vende cerámica.This store sells pottery.This sentence is useful for identifying where pottery is sold using cerámica.Tatoeba #8557918 by ManuelML, translation #10242213 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Estoy interesado en la cerámica oriental.I'm interested in oriental pottery.This sentence is useful for expressing interest in a specific style of pottery using cerámica.Tatoeba #874565 by Shishir, translation #1023151 by ellasevia
- Esta cerámica es hecha por un artista local.This pottery is made by a local artist.This sentence is useful for describing the origin of a piece of pottery using cerámica.Tatoeba #1023148 by ellasevia, translation #681388 by Source_VOA
- Me encanta admirar la cerámica tradicional española.I love admiring traditional Spanish pottery.
- La alfarería mexicana es conocida por su belleza y calidad.Mexican pottery is known for its beauty and quality.
- Mi abuela colecciona loza antigua de diferentes partes del mundo.My grandmother collects antique pottery from different parts of the world.
- En la feria pude apreciar hermosas piezas de arcilla colombiana.At the fair, I was able to appreciate beautiful Colombian pottery made from clay.
- La loza vidriada se caracteriza por su brillo y colores vívidos.Glazed pottery is characterized by its shine and vivid colors.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- Javier¿Te gusta la cerámica?Do you like pottery?
- SofíaSí, me encanta la cerámica.Yes, I love pottery.
- JavierYo estudio cerámica en la universidad.I study pottery at the university.
- SofíaQué bien, es un arte muy bonito.That's great, it is a very beautiful art.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cerámica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
