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:

楽器を演奏するのが好きです。

Gakki wo ensou suru no ga suki desu

I like to play musical instruments.

I like to play instruments.

• 楽器 (gakki) - musical instrument
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 演奏する (ensou suru) - play, perform (an instrument)
• のが (noga) - particle indicating subjectivity
• 好き (suki) - to like, to be pleasant
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

武器を持っている。

Buki wo motte iru

I'm holding a gun.

I have a gun.

• 武器 - weapon
• を - direct object particle
• 持っている - Land, possess

液体は容器に入れて扱ってください。

Ekitai wa yōki ni irete atsukatte kudasai

The liquid should be handled in a container.

• 液体 (ryūtai) - liquid
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 容器 (yōki) - container
• に (ni) - target particle
• 入れて (irete) - put inside
• 扱って (atsukatte) - handle, deal with
• ください (kudasai) - Please, make.

眼球は人間の重要な器官です。

Gankyū wa ningen no jūyōna kikan desu

Eye is an important human organ.

• 眼球 (gankyuu) - Eye
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

私は管楽器を演奏するのが好きです。

Watashi wa kangukki o ensō suru no ga suki desu

I like to play wind instruments.

I like to throw wind instruments.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 管楽器 (kangakki) - noun meaning "wind instrument"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 演奏する (ensousuru) - verb meaning "to play (an instrument)"
• のが (noga) - particle indicating that the sentence is an expression of tastes or preferences
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

脳は人間の最も重要な器官の一つです。

Nou wa ningen no mottomo juuyou na kikan no hitotsu desu

The brain is one of the most important organs of human beings.

• 脳 (nou) - brain
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 最も (mottomo) - the most
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 一つ (hitotsu) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• です (desu) - to be

腸は消化器官の一つです。

Chou wa shoukakikann no hitotsu desu

The intestine is one of the digestive organs.

The intestines are one of the digestive organs.

• 腸 (chou) - intestine
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 消化器官 (shoukakikan) - digestive organ
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 一つ (hitotsu) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

計器を使って測定してください。

Keiki wo tsukatte sokutei shite kudasai

Use the meter to take the measurement.

Measure using an instrument.

• 計器 (keiki) - measuring instrument
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 測定 (sokutei) - measurement
• して (shite) - doing
• ください (kudasai) - Please