1.
vessel, container, dish
A container or dish used for holding food, drink, or other items. Often refers to pottery, ceramics, or tableware with aesthetic value.
料理を美しい器に盛り付けた。
I arranged the food on a beautiful dish.
この店は器にもこだわっている。
This restaurant is particular about its tableware too.
陶芸教室で自分だけの器を作った。
I made my own pottery dish at a ceramics class.
2.
capacity, caliber, character
A person's capacity, caliber, or suitability for a role. Used figuratively to describe whether someone has the personal qualities needed for a position or responsibility.
彼はリーダーの器だ。
He has the caliber to be a leader.
器の大きい人になりたい。
I want to become a person of great character.
社長の器ではないと自分でも分かっている。
I know myself that I'm not cut out to be president.
In sense 1, 器 is closely associated with Japanese food culture and aesthetics — the presentation of food on carefully chosen 器 is considered an important part of the dining experience.
In sense 2, 器が大きい (big vessel) means someone is generous and broad-minded, while 器が小さい (small vessel) means someone is petty or narrow-minded.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 器に盛る — to serve in a dish
- 器が大きい — broad-minded, magnanimous
- 器が小さい — petty, narrow-minded
- リーダーの器 — the caliber of a leader
- 焼き物の器 — pottery dishes