Definitions

jiàng (noun) craftsman; artisan

Etymology

About

The character "匠" is structurally composed of the radical "匚", which depicts a container or box, enclosing the component "斤", an ancient pictograph representing an axe. This combination originally denoted a toolbox or the toolkit of a woodworker or carpenter, directly linking the character to woodcraft and construction. Over time, its meaning expanded from the literal tools themselves to signify the artisan who wields them with expertise, thereby encompassing the concept of a master craftsperson in any specialized trade. The semantic range further broadened to imply the skill, ingenuity, and meticulous workmanship inherent to such a trade, and by extension, it can describe anyone possessing highly refined skill in a particular field. The traditional form of the character is identical to its simplified version, with its core components and conceptual origin remaining intact throughout its historical use.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我哥哥是工

Wǒ gēge shì gōngjiàng.

My older brother is a craftsman.

这个木手艺很好。

Zhège mùjiàng shǒuyì hěn hǎo.

This carpenter has excellent craftsmanship.

在雕刻一块石头。

Shíjiàng zài diāokè yī kuài shítou.

The stonemason is carving a piece of stone.

帮我修好了鞋子。

Xiéjiàng bāng wǒ xiū hǎo le xiézi.

The shoemaker helped me repair my shoes.

这位人制作了一把精美的椅子。

Zhè wèi jiàngrén zhìzuò le yī bǎ jīngměi de yǐzi.

This artisan made a beautiful chair.

精神值得我们去学习。

Gōngjiàng jīngshén zhídé wǒmen qù xuéxí.

The craftsmanship spirit is worth learning from.

他的作品体现了独特的心。

Tā de zuòpǐn tǐxiàn le dútè de jiàngxīn.

His work embodies unique craftsmanship.

这位巨在艺术领域有着深远的影响。

Zhè wèi jùjiàng zài yìshù lǐngyù yǒu zhe shēnyuǎn de yǐngxiǎng.

This master has a profound influence in the field of art.