1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “陶” (tō) primarily means “ceramics” or “pottery.” It refers to objects made from clay that are hardened by heat, often used for dishes, vases, and other decorative items.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “陶” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “earth” (土) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “陶” is 土 (tsuchi), which means “earth” or “soil,” indicating its connection to clay and pottery.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “陶” are:
- 陶器 (とうき, tōki) – pottery
- 陶芸 (とうげい, tōgei) – ceramic art
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この店には美しい陶器があります。 (このみせにはうつくしいとうきがあります。) – This store has beautiful pottery.
- 彼は陶芸を趣味にしています。 (かれはとうげいをしゅみにしています。) – He has pottery as a hobby.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “器” (き, ki), which means “container” or “utensil.” While “陶” specifically refers to pottery, “器” can refer to various types of containers, not limited to ceramics.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “壊” (こわ, kawa), which means “to break.” While “陶” refers to the creation of pottery, “壊” refers to the destruction of objects.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: Pottery has a significant place in Japanese culture, with various styles such as Raku and Imari showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship involved in ceramics.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “陶器のように壊れやすい” (とうきのようにこわれやすい), which translates to “fragile like pottery,” used to describe something that is easily broken or delicate.