How to say "ceramics" in Japanese

• 陶器とうきJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounRefers to ceramics as physical objects — fired clay pots, dishes and the like — rather than to the craft of making them; the natural choice when discussing the ware itself, as in a shop or collection.
  陶器とうきは火ひで焼やかれた。↗

  The pottery was baked by fire.
• 陶芸とうげいCommon
  nounCeramics as an art or craft — the activity of making pottery. This is the word for ceramics classes, studios and hobby potters, not for the finished pieces themselves.
  土曜日どようび、去年きょねんから通かよい始はじめた陶芸とうげい教室きょうしつ。↗

  Saturday is the pottery class I've been attending since last year.
• 焼き物やきものCommon
  nounA general word for fired ware — pottery, earthenware or porcelain — especially in talk of traditional and regional wares. It can also mean grilled food, so let context guide you.
• 陶磁器とうじきCommon
  nounThe blanket term covering pottery and porcelain together — 'ceramics' in its broadest sense; use it when speaking of the category as a whole rather than of a single piece.
  その陶磁器とうじきは特別とくべつな棚たなに陳列ちんれつされていた。↗

  The china was displayed in a special cabinet.
• 窯業ようぎょうCommon
  no-adjectiveCeramics as an industry rather than as objects: this is the word for the ceramic industry — its production, companies and trade. For the ware itself or the craft, it is not the word you want.

Use 陶器 for fired clay ware itself, 陶芸 for ceramics as an art or craft, 「焼き物」 as a general word for fired ware, 陶磁器 for pottery and porcelain collectively, and 窯業 for the ceramics industry.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 陶器とうきpottery
• 陶芸とうげいceramic art
• 焼き物やきものpottery
• 陶磁器とうじきceramics
• 窯業ようぎょうceramics
• セラミックスceramics
• 陶製とうせいceramics
• 陶すえpottery