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陶瓷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
陶瓷táocípottery and porcelainHSK 7, n, rank #13191, Hard
陶瓷táocíceramicsHSK 7, n, rank #13191, Hard
táocí(tao2ci2) T2
  1. 1pottery and porcelain
  2. 2ceramics
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March 24, 2026
陶瓷táocí(tao2ci2)

陶瓷 (táo cí) refers to pottery and porcelain, which are both types of ceramic materials made by shaping and then firing a non-metallic mineral, such as clay. Commonly used in both functional and decorative objects, ceramics are integral to Chinese culture, especially in the context of fine arts and traditional crafts.

Frequency#13191DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Ceramics hold a significant place in Chinese history, with ancient dynasties like the Tang and Ming being renowned for their exquisite porcelain. The famous blue and white porcelain is a notable symbol of Chinese craftsmanship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'tao' (陶) shaped like a teapot, crafted from shiny porcelain (瓷) that reflects light beautifully. The 'tao' can remind you of 'tasty' teas served in fine ceramics, helping you link the sound to the meaning.

Meanings of 陶瓷

táocí(tao2ci2)
1pottery and porcelain
2ceramics
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 陶瓷

陶瓷Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13191Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 陶瓷

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Podcast: 陶瓷

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AI Study Notes for 陶瓷

Quick Contrast

瓷器 (cíqì) refers specifically to porcelain items, while 陶瓷 (táocí) encompasses both pottery and porcelain.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'tao' (陶) shaped like a teapot, crafted from shiny porcelain (瓷) that reflects light beautifully. The 'tao' can remind you of 'tasty' teas served in fine ceramics, helping you link the sound to the meaning.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 陶瓷 with other types of materials like 玻璃 (glass) or 金属 (metal). 陶瓷 is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as art or product descriptions. It often appears in phrases like '陶瓷制品' (ceramic products) or '陶瓷艺术' (ceramic art).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 陶瓷 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to art and materials. Focus on usage in contexts involving art, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage to deepen understanding.

Cultural Note

Ceramics hold a significant place in Chinese history, with ancient dynasties like the Tang and Ming being renowned for their exquisite porcelain. The famous blue and white porcelain is a notable symbol of Chinese craftsmanship.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 陶瓷 when referring to other materials, saying '陶瓷杯子' (ceramic cup) when they mean '玻璃杯子' (glass cup). Always remember that 陶瓷 specifically denotes ceramics, whereas other materials have their own terms.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 陶瓷

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Component Characters

táopottery
HSK 710 strokes
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chinaware
HSK 710 strokes
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Write 陶瓷

Practice writing 陶瓷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 陶瓷

陶瓷 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

普通的____元件分别是钛酸钡和锆钛酸铅.

Common ceramic elements are barium titanate and lead zirconate - titanate.

Example Sentences for 陶瓷 (3)

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1
普通的陶瓷元件分别是钛酸钡和锆钛酸铅.

pǔ tōng de táo cí yuán jiàn fēn bié shì tài suān bèi hé gào tài suān qiān.

Common ceramic elements are barium titanate and lead zirconate - titanate.
2
银盘子上面摆放着精制的陶瓷汤盘。

yín pán zǐ shàng miàn bǎi fàng zháo jīng zhì de táo cí tāng pán。

Exquisite china soup dishes reposed on silver plates.
3
需要货品: 帽 、 陶瓷杯 、 沙滩伞及鞋扣.

xū yào huò pǐn: :、 mào 、 táo、 cí bēi 、 shā tān sǎn.

Products wanted: Caps, ceramic mugs, beach umbrellas and shoe buckles.

Cultural Notes for 陶瓷

🏮Cultural insight

Ceramics hold a significant place in Chinese history, with ancient dynasties like the Tang and Ming being renowned for their exquisite porcelain. The famous blue and white porcelain is a notable symbol of Chinese craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions about 陶瓷

陶 refers to pottery, which is generally more porous and less refined than 瓷, which means porcelain, known for its high-quality, smooth finish.