Japanese Conversation · Level 96
60 words
Japanese word
細工
Pronunciation
Romajisaiku
Meaning
- nounworkmanship
Example
この家具は細工が丁寧です。ko no ka gu wa sai ku ga tei nei de su
This furniture has fine workmanship.
More examples
職人は木の表面に細工を施します。shoku nin wa ki no hyō men ni sai ku o hodoko shi ma su
Craftsmen add decorative details to the surface of the wood.
Core concept
Describes the skill and care shown in making something, especially in the quality of its details and finish.
Common phrases
細工が細かいsai ku ga koma ka i
intricate workmanship
細工を施すsai ku o hodoko su
add decorative details
Similar words
技巧gikō: It is the use of skilled technique to produce precise details in a made object.
手仕事teshigoto: It is work done by hand with care and attention to detail.
職人芸shokuningei: It is highly skilled work that reflects an artisan's practiced technique.
Definition in Japanese
物を作る技術や、細部まで行き届いた仕上がりの巧みさ。mono o tsuku ru gi jutsu ya sai bu ma de i ki todo i ta shi a ga ri no taku mi sa
Word origin
The noun 細工 (saiku, "craftsmanship") combines 細 (sai, "fine") and 工 (kō, "work"), with the established compound reading saiku.
Usage tips
- In English, workmanship usually describes the quality of how something is made, so fine workmanship praises careful construction rather than simply the amount of work.
Other meanings
- craftsmanshipnoun
- handiworknoun
Related words
- 細工するsaikusurucraftverb
- 細工師saikushicraftsmannoun