瓷器

cíqì

chinaware

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Understanding 瓷器

The word 瓷器 (cíqì) specifically refers to porcelain or fine china, a type of ceramic known for its delicate and often artistic qualities. It is commonly used when discussing antiques, art collections, or household items made from this material.

Usage in Conversation

When using 瓷器, speakers often imply fragility and value, so it frequently appears in contexts involving care, collection, or museum exhibits. For example, mentioning 瓷器 in a sentence often signals a discussion about something precious or delicate.

Common Collocations

  • 收藏瓷器 (shōucáng cíqì): to collect porcelain, often used by collectors or in museums.
  • 中国瓷器 (Zhōngguó cíqì): Chinese porcelain, highlighting origin and cultural value.
  • 破碎瓷器 (pòsuì cíqì): broken porcelain, emphasizing fragility.

Tips

Avoid confusing 瓷器 with (táoqì), which means pottery and is generally less refined and more porous. 瓷器 is more delicate and often more valuable. When talking about household items, 瓷器 usually refers to fine dishes or decorative pieces rather than everyday ceramics.

Example Sentences

这家博物馆收藏了很多珍贵的瓷器。

Zhè jiā bówùguǎn shōucángle hěn duō zhēnguì de cíqì.

This museum has collected many precious pieces of porcelain.

她喜欢收集各种各样的中国瓷器。

Tā xǐhuān shōují gè zhǒng gè yàng de Zhōngguó cíqì.

She likes to collect various kinds of Chinese porcelain.

瓷器很容易破碎,所以搬运时要小心。

Cíqì hěn róngyì pòsuì, suǒyǐ bānyùn shí yào xiǎoxīn.

Porcelain is very fragile, so be careful when handling it.