Inklingo
← Dictionary

cerámica

seh-RAH-mee-kah/seˈɾamika/

“cerámica” means “pottery” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

pottery, ceramics

Also: clay-work
NounfA1
A handcrafted clay pot sitting on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

Me gusta mucho esta taza de cerámica.

A1

I really like this ceramic mug.

Ella toma clases de cerámica los sábados.

A2

She takes pottery classes on Saturdays.

El museo exhibe cerámica antigua de Grecia.

B1

The museum exhibits ancient ceramics from Greece.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alfarería (pottery/art of clay)
  • loza (crockery/clay-ware)

Antonyms

  • plástico (plastic)

Common Collocations

  • taller de cerámica – pottery workshop
  • vajilla de cerámica – ceramic dinnerware
  • cerámica artesanal – handmade pottery

tiles, flooring

NounfA2
A pattern of colorful square ceramic tiles on a wall.

📝 In Action

Queremos cambiar la cerámica de la cocina.

A2

We want to change the kitchen tiles.

Esa cerámica es antideslizante.

B1

Those tiles are non-slip.

Limpié toda la cerámica del baño.

A2

I cleaned all the bathroom tiling.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • baldosa (tile)
  • azulejo (wall tile)

Common Collocations

  • cerámica para pisos – floor tiles
  • poner la cerámica – to lay the tiles

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cerámica" in Spanish:

ceramics→clay-work→flooring→pottery→tiles→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cerámica

Question 1 of 3

If you are taking a class to learn how to make clay bowls, what are you studying?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cerámico(ceramic (adjective)) — Adjective
ceramista(potter/ceramicist) — Noun
alfarería(pottery) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
dinámicapanorámicaacadémica
📚 Etymology▼

From the Ancient Greek 'keramos,' which referred to 'potter's clay' or 'burned earth.' It moved into Latin and then into Spanish, keeping its connection to things made from fire and clay.

First recorded: 18th century (in its modern technical form)

Cognates (Related words)

English: ceramicsFrench: céramiqueItalian: ceramica

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cerámica' always feminine?

Yes, as a noun referring to the art, the material, or the tiles, it is always feminine: 'la cerámica'.

What is a 'ceramista'?

A 'ceramista' is a person who creates ceramic art or works with ceramics professionally. It is a gender-neutral noun (el ceramista / la ceramista).

Can I use 'cerámica' for bathroom walls?

Yes, although 'azulejo' is also common for wall tiles, 'cerámica' is a perfectly acceptable general term for any tiling.