What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
china
Example
She set the table with beautiful china for the dinner party. [china: noun]
Example
The teacup was made of fine china and had a delicate floral pattern. [china: adjective]
porcelain
Example
The museum displayed a collection of ancient porcelain artifacts. [porcelain: noun]
Example
She bought a beautiful porcelain vase to decorate her living room. [porcelain: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
China is more commonly used than porcelain in everyday language, especially when referring to dinnerware. Porcelain is more commonly used in the context of art, decoration, or describing specific ceramic objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between china and porcelain?
Both china and porcelain can be used in formal contexts, but china is more commonly associated with formal dining and special occasions, while porcelain is often used in the context of art and decoration, which can be both formal and informal.
