Translation and Meaning of: 器 - utsuwa

Have you ever stopped to think about how a simple everyday object can carry so much meaning? The Japanese word 器[うつわ], which means "bowl," "container," or "vessel," goes far beyond its practical function. In this article, you will discover the fascinating etymology behind this kanji, how it is used in modern Japan, and even tips to memorize it for good. Moreover, since Suki Nihongo is the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also learn the correct writing and useful phrases to include in your Anki or spaced repetition program.

If you are looking to understand the meaning of 器[うつわ], its translation or origin, you are in the right place. This word appears in various contexts, from traditional ceremonies to daily conversations. And if you have ever wondered why the Japanese place such importance on seemingly simple objects, the answer may lie in the concept behind うつわ.

The origin and etymology of 器

The kanji 器 is formed by four "mouths" (口) surrounding a radical that represents a dog (犬) — an image that evokes the idea of something that contains or holds. Interestingly, this combination does not have a direct relation to dogs, but rather to the concept of "vessel" or "container" that protects what is inside. In ancient China, where the character originated, it was used to describe ceremonial objects that held offerings.

In the Japanese language, うつわ has gained a broader meaning, referring to anything from rice bowls to elegant packaging for gifts. The pronunciation itself comes from the verb うつす (utsusu), which means "to transfer" or "to place something inside," reinforcing the idea of an object that receives contents. You may have seen this kanji in words like 食器 (shokki, kitchen utensils) or 楽器 (gakki, musical instruments).

Modern use and cultural importance

In contemporary Japan, 器 goes far beyond a simple container. In tea ceremonies, for example, the choice of the right bowl is essential for the aesthetic experience. Artisans dedicate years to perfecting techniques to create うつわ that are both functional and beautiful. Have you noticed how even a common bentō can come in packaging that is true works of art?

But the word also appears in surprising contexts. In corporate language, you might hear expressions like 器が大きい (utsuwa ga ookii), which literally means "the container is large" but refers to someone with a great capacity to handle difficult situations. It's like saying that the person has "adaptability." This metaphor shows how the concept of container intertwines with the Japanese view of personality and abilities.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To remember this kanji, try to visualize the four "mouths" (口) as small bowls inside a larger one. Another technique is to associate the middle radical with a support that keeps everything in place. And if you like learning with music, the word うつわ appears in the lyrics of several popular songs, such as "Utsuwa" by the group Monkey Majik.

A little-known fact is that in some regional dialects, うつわ can specifically refer to lacquered wooden bowls. And in poetic contexts, the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the human body as a "container" for the soul. Have you thought about how profound that is? The next time you hold a simple bowl of missoshiru, remember that you are touching a piece of ancient Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 器具 (Kigu) - Instruments or tools used for a specific purpose.
• 道具 (Dōgu) - Utensils or equipment used to perform a task, usually in a more artistic or manual context.
• 装置 (Sōchi) - Devices or systems designed to work together, often used in technology.
• 容器 (Yōki) - Containers that are used to hold or store something.
• 器械 (Kikai) - Equipment or machinery, often used in medical or engineering contexts.
• 器具類 (Kigurui) - A set of instruments or tools, often referring to a class or category of similar items.

器

Romaji: utsuwa
Kana: うつわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: bowl; container; vessel

Meaning in English: bowl;vessel;container

Definition: A container to store things.

Example Sentences - (器) utsuwa

See below some example sentences:

食器を洗ってください。

Shokki wo aratte kudasai

Please wash the dishes.

Wash tableware.

• 食器 (shokki) - dishes, cutlery, kitchen utensils
• を (wo) - object particle
• 洗って (aratte) - to wash
• ください (kudasai) - Please, make.

彼はとても器用だ。

Kare wa totemo kiyou da

He is very skilled.

He is very skillful.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very
• 器用 (kiyou) - Skilled, dexterous
• だ (da) - Verb "to be" in the present

威力がある武器は強敵にも勝てる。

Iryoku ga aru buki wa kyouteki ni mo kateru

Uma arma com poder pode derrotar até mesmo inimigos fortes.

Powerful weapons can also defeat strong enemies.

• 威力がある (いりょくがある) - Powerful
• 武器 (ぶき) - Weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 強敵 (きょうてき) - Strong enemy
• にも - Particle that indicates inclusion
• 勝てる (かてる) - Win

兵器は戦争を引き起こす可能性がある。

Heiki wa sensou wo hikio kosu kanousei ga aru

Weapons have the potential to cause war.

• 兵器 - weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 戦争 - war
• を - direct object particle
• 引き起こす - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

この器はとても美しいです。

Kono utsuwa wa totemo utsukushii desu

This bowl is very beautiful.

This ship is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 器 - noun meaning "utensil", "container" or "vessel"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "this container"
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "pretty", "beautiful" or "elegant"
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite and formal form

この宝器は美しいですね。

Kono houki wa utsukushii desu ne

This jar is beautiful

This treasure is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 宝器 - noun meaning "vessel of treasure" or "receptacle of value"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation
• . - Period

この精密な計器はとても正確です。

Kono seimitsu na keiki wa totemo seikaku desu

This precision tool is very accurate.

This precision instrument is very accurate.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 精密な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 計器 - noun meaning "measuring instrument"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

器官は体内の重要な役割を果たしています。

Kikan wa tainai no juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Organs play an important role in the body.

Organs play an important role in the body.

• 器官 (Kikan) - organs
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体内 (Tainai) - inside the body
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たしています (hatashiteimasu) - performing

心臓は体の中で最も重要な器官です。

Shinzou wa karada no naka de mottomo juuyou na kikan desu

The heart is the most important organ in the body.

• 心臓 (shinzou) - heart
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体 (karada) - body
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 中 (naka) - inside
• で (de) - Location particle
• 最も (mottomo) - the most
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

核兵器は絶対に使用してはいけない。

Kaku heiki wa zettai ni shiyou shite wa ikenai

Never use nuclear weapons.

• 核兵器 - nuclear weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 絶対に - absolutely
• 使用して - using
• はいけない - not allowed