How to say "mason" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 石工いしくnounThe plain, general term for a mason or stonemason, also covering a stonecutter who cuts and shapes stone; of the three it is the neutral choice, though the word itself is uncommon.
- 石匠せきしょうnounSame basic senses as 石工, but 匠 carries a nuance of mastery, so it suggests a highly skilled stonemason; unless you want that flavor, this is seldom the word you need.
- 石大工いしだいくnounA stonemason in the traditional building trades — the word pairs stone work with the carpenter's trade — so it evokes traditional Japanese construction; like the others, it is uncommon.
All three are uncommon words for a worker in stone: 石工 is the plain, general term for the trade, 石匠 adds a nuance of mastery, and 石大工 refers to stonemasons in the traditional building trades.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
