Translation and Meaning of: 碗 - wan
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 碗 (wan) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: wan
Kana: わん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: bowl
Meaning in English: bowl
Definition: A container for serving food.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (碗) wan
The word 「碗」 (wan) is a term in Japanese that refers to a bowl or dish, traditionally used for serving rice, soup, or tea. The writing of the kanji 「碗」 is composed of two main elements: the radical 「石」 which means "stone", and the phonetic part 「宛」. This composition historically suggests containers made of more durable materials like stone or ceramic, which were representative in ancient civilizations for storing and serving food and liquids.
In the Japanese cultural context, the bowls「わん」are not just household utensils, but also carry important cultural significance. A well-made bowl can be vital for the tea ceremony, known as「茶道」(sadō), where the aesthetics and functionality of the object are fundamental. These bowls can be created in various styles, depending on the region, master potters, and artistic tradition, reflecting the cultural and artisanal diversity of Japan.
Use and Varieties
- "ご飯碗" (gohan-wan): rice bowl.
- 「味噌汁碗」 (misoshiru-wan): bowl for miso soup.
- "茶碗" (chawan): frequently used in the tea ceremony.
In addition to its practical daily use, the word 「碗」 also appears in artistic and historical contexts. Important ceramics, such as those in the styles of 「唐津」 (Karatsu) or 「有田」 (Arita), are highly valued in Japan and around the world, both by collectors and museums, for their rich history and aesthetic beauty. Even in modern times, the concept of "wan" continues to evolve, incorporating influences from contemporary design while preserving its traditional value.
Synonyms and similar words
- 茶碗 (chawan) - tea bowl
- お茶碗 (ochawan) - bowl for rice; usually used for meals, especially at home
- お椀 (owan) - bowl; usually for soup or broth dish
- どんぶり (donburi) - large bowl; often used to serve rice with toppings
- 丼 (don) - bowl; a simpler way to refer to the dish used with rice, similar to "donburi," but often used in a broader sense
- お鉢 (obachi) - bowl; usually larger and used for serving food
- おわん (owan) - bowl, often used casually to refer to a soup bowl
- 鉢 (hachi) - bowl; a broader version that can refer to various types of bowls
- お皿 (osara) - plate; used to serve food, which can include solid items
- 皿 (sara) - dish; a basic way to refer to a utensil for serving, without the connotation of a meal
How to Write in Japanese - (碗) wan
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (碗) wan:
Example Sentences - (碗) wan
Below are some example sentences:
Watashi wa chawan de ocha wo nomimasu
I drink tea in a bowl.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I"
- は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
- 茶碗 (chawan) - noun meaning "tea bowl"
- で (de) - particle that indicates the means or instrument used for the action, in this case "with the tea bowl"
- お茶 (ocha) - noun meaning "tea"
- を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "drinking tea"
- 飲みます (nomimasu) - verb meaning "to drink"
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
