工匠 gōngjiàng artisan
artisan; smith
How to remember 工匠: 工 work + 匠 artisan = artisan.
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How it is used
- A craftsman / artisan skilled in a manual trade - 这件家具出自老工匠之手 (zhè jiàn jiājù chūzì lǎo gōngjiàng zhī shǒu) this furniture came from an old craftsman's hands.
- Evokes hand-skill and traditional trades (木工、铁匠). The phrase 工匠精神 (craftsman spirit) is a popular buzzword for dedication to quality.
- Contrast 技工 (jìgōng, a skilled technical worker) which is a modern industrial job title; 工匠 carries an artisanal, handcrafted connotation.