工
craft · construction · katakana e radical (no. 48)
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape of tool (ruler or square). Skill, craftsman.
Symbolism
Construction, industry, artificial. Represents technology and manufacturing.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
士農工商
しのうこうしょう
hierarchy of samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants in Edo society; hierarchy of samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants in Edo society
同工異曲
どうこういきょく
equal workmanship but different style; equal workmanship but different style
裏面工作
りめんこうさく
string-pulling; backstage manoeuvering (maneuvering); string-pulling
創意工夫
そういくふう
ingenuity; inventiveness; creative originality; ingenuity
偽装工作
ぎそうこうさく
diversionary tactics (maneuvering); disguise; hide by camouflage; diversionary tactics (maneuvering)
異曲同工
いきょくどうこう
different in appearance but essentially the same in content; equal in skills or workmanship but different in style or artistic flavor; the same for all practical purposes; different in appearance but essentially the same in content
Proverbs & Idioms
工夫を凝らす
くふうをこらす
To devise creative solutions
Thinking carefully to find improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 工 mean in Japanese?
工 means craft, construction, katakana e radical (no. 48).
How do you read 工?
On'yomi: コウ、ク、グ (KOU, KU, GU).
How many strokes does 工 have?
工 has 3 strokes. Its radical is 工 (work).
Is 工 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 工 (craft, construction, katakana e radical (no. 48)) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for craft