JLPT N3 Vocabulary – The Meaning and Usage of “工夫”
Table of Contents
1. The Meaning and Usage of “工夫“
2. The Meaning of “工夫“
3. The Kanji “工夫“
4. What is “工夫“?
5. How to Use “工夫する“
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: I don’t quite understand the meaning of the word “工夫.” In Chinese, it has a completely different meaning, and even the English translations seem difficult to grasp.
A: “工夫” means thinking of various methods and ideas to improve something. In Chinese, it seems to represent “time” or “leisure,” but in Japanese, it has a completely different meaning, so be careful not to confuse them.
工夫 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Thinking of various methods to find a better approach. It also refers to those methods or approaches themselves.
[Common Expressions]
•～を工夫する：Thinking of a better way to approach something
•工夫を凝らす：Thinking more deeply and adding unique ideas
[Examples]
時間の使い方を工夫して、もっと自分の時間を作ることにしました。
I devised a better way to use my time and created more personal time for myself.
料理がきれいに見えるように工夫をしましょう。
Let’s come up with a way to make the dish look more visually appealing.
この指輪はデザインに工夫が凝らされています。
This ring’s design incorporates creative craftsmanship.
The Kanji “工夫“
First, let’s examine the original meaning of the kanji in Japanese.
The character “工” means “to make something using tools.”
On the other hand, “夫” originally referred to an “adult male” or a “strong person” in ancient times.
Over time, it came to represent someone who is dedicated and works hard, eventually meaning “a person who makes an effort.”
By combining these two kanji, the meaning of “using skills and wisdom to come up with new methods” was formed.
What is “工夫“?
For example, when you encounter a problem or set a goal you want to achieve, you may think about how to approach it effectively.
At such times, coming up with various methods and trying them out—this is what “工夫” means.
Look at the following illustration. In this case, the problem is that “the presentation of the dish (plating) is not well-organized,” or the goal is “to make the dish look more beautiful.”
What would you do?
You might adjust the placement or arrangement of the ingredients to enhance its appearance.
This process of generating ideas and experimenting with different approaches is exactly what “工夫” is.
How to Use “工夫する“
“工夫する” is often used after stating a problem or goal.
[Examples]
料理がきれいに見えるように工夫をしました。
I devised a way to make the dish look more visually appealing.
⇒ The goal is “to make the dish look more beautiful.”
Additionally, when coming up with a good method or idea for a specific matter, you can use the expression “～を工夫して” to describe the action.
[Examples]
スケジュールを工夫して、習い事をする時間を作りました。
I adjusted my schedule to create time for lessons.
⇒ This means thinking about how to adjust the schedule to make time for lessons.
“工夫” is often used together with the verb “凝らす”, which conveys the nuance of thinking more deeply and thoroughly refining methods or ideas. Compared to “工夫する”, this expression emphasizes that careful thought has been put into the final result.
[Examples]
この日本料理は、四季を楽しめる工夫が凝らされています。
This Japanese dish incorporates creative elements that allow people to enjoy the four seasons.
⇒ The creator carefully thought about how to help diners experience the four seasons and incorporated those ideas into the dish.
Summary
- “工夫” has a completely different meaning in Japanese from its Chinese counterpart. In Japanese, it refers to coming up with better methods or ideas.
- It involves thinking about the best approach when facing a problem or trying to achieve a goal and finding the most effective method or solution.
