How to say "craft" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers the everyday sense of craft as in handmade goods, paper craft, or crafting as a hobby. A loanword with a Western, do-it-yourself feel; your default for craft activities.
- 芸げいnounMeans art or accomplishment — a learned artistic skill such as performance. As a translation of 'craft' it suggests skill or artistry rather than handmade objects; not usually the word for crafts in general.
- 工芸こうげいnounRefers to craft in the sense of industrial arts and craftwork — traditional, often artistic handwork such as pottery, lacquerware, or metalwork. The right choice for 'craft' as a category of fine handcrafts.
- 悪知恵わるぢえnounCovers only the negative sense of craft as cunning or guile — cleverness used deceptively. Seldom what you want for the ordinary senses of craft; use it for sly, crafty scheming.
- 匠たくみnounMeans craftsmanship — the consummate skill and dexterity of a master artisan. Choose it when 'craft' refers to finely honed technique rather than to an object or hobby.
Use 「クラフト」 for crafts and crafting, 工芸 for traditional craftwork, 匠 for artisan skill, 芸 for artistic accomplishments, and 悪知恵 only for the negative 'cunning, guile' sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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