Translation and Meaning of: 湯飲み - yunomi

The Japanese word 「湯飲み」 (yunomi) refers to a specific type of cup used mainly for drinking tea. The etymology of 「湯飲み」 is composed of the characters 「湯」 (yu), which means "hot water" or "bath," and 「飲み」 (nomi), which derives from the verb 「飲む」 (nomu), meaning "to drink." Thus, the composition suggests the act of drinking hot liquids, typically tea.

The origin of yunomi dates back to the Japanese tea tradition, which is an integral part of the country's culture. Unlike the more traditional Chinese tea cups, which are smaller and often used with saucers, Japanese yunomi tea cups are generally larger and do not have saucers. They are designed for everyday use and are different from the 「抹茶茶碗」 (matchawan), which are specifically used for the tea ceremony. Yunomi stand out for their simplicity and functionality, reflecting the wabi-sabi aesthetic of accepting the beauty of imperfection and transience.

The 「湯飲み」 can be made from various types of ceramics, such as porcelain and clay, and feature a wide variety of designs and colors. Some have reliefs or are hand-painted, ranging from more traditional to contemporary forms. In some regions of Japan, there is also a strong tradition of handcrafted ceramics, where the yunomi are produced in a personalized way, making each piece unique. The design and production of the 「湯飲み」 are deeply rooted in Japanese cultural and artistic practices, symbolizing a link between the utilitarian piece and the work of art.

In the modern context, 「湯飲み」 continue to evolve and have gained international popularity, being appreciated by both collectors and tea enthusiasts around the world. The simplicity and elegance of these cups capture the essence of Japanese tradition, remaining a symbol of Japan's rich tea culture. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan, don't forget to acquire a yunomi to make the most of your tea experience.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 茶碗 (chawan) - Tea bowl
• お茶碗 (ochawan) - Tea bowl (polite form)
• おちゃわん (ochawan) - Tea bowl (phonetic form)
• 茶器 (chaki) - Tea utensils
• 茶入れ (chaire) - Tea container
• 茶わん (chawan) - Tea bowl (variant)
• 茶盌 (chawan) - Tea bowl (variant)
• 茶杯 (chahai) - Cup for drinking tea
• 茶碗蒸し器 (chawan mushi ki) - Tool for steaming chawanmushi
• 茶碗蒸器 (chawan mushi ki) - Utensil for steaming chawanmushi (variant)
• 茶碗蒸し (chawan mushi) - Steamed omelette dish (traditional Japanese)
• 茶碗蒸し皿 (chawan mushi zara) - Dish for chawanmushi
• 茶碗蒸し用皿 (chawan mushi you zara) - Dish used for chawanmushi

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