A Yunomi is a traditional Japanese handleless teacup designed specifically for enjoying green tea.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A handleless cup used for drinking Japanese green tea.
- Commonly made of ceramic or porcelain for daily use.
- Essential item in traditional Japanese hospitality and dining.
Overview
- 1概要：湯飲み（ゆのみ）は、主に日本茶を飲むために設計された、取っ手のない円筒形の器です。日本の食文化において非常にポピュラーな道具で、磁器や陶器で作られることが一般的です。西洋のカップ＆ソーサーとは異なり、持ち手がないため、手全体で包み込むようにして持ちます。
一般的な文脈：日常会話では「湯飲み茶碗」と呼ぶこともあります。また、旅館や和食店では、その店の名前やロゴが入ったオリジナルの湯飲みが提供されることも多く、日本の伝統的なおもてなしの象徴の一つです。
- 1類似語との比較：『カップ』は主にコーヒーや紅茶用で、持ち手があるのが一般的です。『お椀』は味噌汁などの汁物用で、湯飲みよりも口が広く、主に食事の際に使われます。湯飲みはあくまで「お茶専用」というニュアンスが強い言葉です。
Examples
おばあちゃんが湯飲みでお茶を飲んでいる。
everydayMy grandmother is drinking tea from a teacup.
お客様に新しい湯飲みでお茶をお出しします。
formalI will serve tea to the guest in a new teacup.
この湯飲みはとても軽くて使いやすい。
informalThis teacup is very light and easy to use.
伝統的な湯飲みには様々な焼き物の種類がある。
academicThere are various types of pottery for traditional teacups.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
湯飲み茶碗
teacup
Often Confused With
Chawan can refer to both a rice bowl and a teacup. In many contexts, it specifically refers to the bowl used for matcha in tea ceremonies.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Yunomi is a neutral term used in both casual and formal settings. It is specifically associated with Japanese-style tea. Avoid using it for Western-style coffee cups.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'Chawan' and 'Yunomi'. Remember that 'Yunomi' is exclusively for tea, whereas 'Chawan' is a broader term.
Tips
Holding a Yunomi correctly
Since there is no handle, hold the cup with your dominant hand and support the bottom with your other hand if it is very hot. This is considered a polite and stable way to handle it.
Temperature check
Be careful when pouring boiling water, as the exterior of the cup will become hot quickly. Use a coaster to protect your table surface.
The art of Yunomi
Many Yunomi are handcrafted by artisans, and their textures and patterns reflect Japanese aesthetics. Some are even collectible items.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of 'Yu' (hot water/tea) and 'Nomi' (the act of drinking). It describes the function of the object perfectly.
Cultural Context
The Yunomi is central to the Japanese tea culture. It is designed to be held comfortably in the hands to enjoy the warmth of the tea.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Yu' (hot water) + 'Nomi' (drink). It is literally a 'hot water drink' vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions湯飲みは持ち手がなく、主に日本茶用です。カップは持ち手があり、コーヒーや紅茶用として使われることが多いです。
素材によりますが、陶器や磁器製であれば基本的に可能です。ただし、金彩などの装飾がある場合は避けるべきです。
はい、問題ありません。ただし、形状が日本茶に適しているため、他の飲み物には少し飲みにくい場合があります。
茶碗はご飯を入れるもの（飯碗）と、お茶を飲むもの（湯飲み）の両方を指すことがあります。文脈で判断します。
Test Yourself
熱いお茶を___に入れる。
お茶を入れるための器は湯飲みです。
Score: /1
Summary
A Yunomi is a traditional Japanese handleless teacup designed specifically for enjoying green tea.
- A handleless cup used for drinking Japanese green tea.
- Commonly made of ceramic or porcelain for daily use.
- Essential item in traditional Japanese hospitality and dining.
Holding a Yunomi correctly
Since there is no handle, hold the cup with your dominant hand and support the bottom with your other hand if it is very hot. This is considered a polite and stable way to handle it.
Temperature check
Be careful when pouring boiling water, as the exterior of the cup will become hot quickly. Use a coaster to protect your table surface.
The art of Yunomi
Many Yunomi are handcrafted by artisans, and their textures and patterns reflect Japanese aesthetics. Some are even collectible items.
Examples
4 of 4おばあちゃんが湯飲みでお茶を飲んでいる。
My grandmother is drinking tea from a teacup.
お客様に新しい湯飲みでお茶をお出しします。
I will serve tea to the guest in a new teacup.
この湯飲みはとても軽くて使いやすい。
This teacup is very light and easy to use.
伝統的な湯飲みには様々な焼き物の種類がある。
There are various types of pottery for traditional teacups.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
