Translation and Meaning of: 手芸 - shugei

The Japanese word 手芸[しゅげい] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries cultural and historical nuances that make it fascinating for students and the curious. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Furthermore, we will understand why this expression goes far beyond a literal translation.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese view activities like sewing, knitting, or other forms of handicrafts, 手芸 is the key term to discover. Here at Suki Nihongo, we dive into details ranging from its writing in kanji to the context in which this expression appears in the media and everyday life in Japan.

Meaning and use of 手芸

Handicraft [しゅげい] refers to manual work or crafts, especially those that involve skills such as sewing, knitting, embroidery, and other artisanal techniques. Unlike more generic words like "craft," 手芸 has a specific focus on activities that require manual dexterity and creativity.

In Japan, this word is often associated with hobbies and pastimes, but it also has a practical side. Many people learn 手芸 at school or in specialized courses, and it is common to find stores dedicated to materials for these activities in any Japanese city. The popularity of the term reflects a culture that values precision and beauty in details.

The origin and the kanjis of 手芸

The composition of 手芸 is quite revealing. The first kanji, 手, means "hand," while 芸 refers to "art" or "skill." Together, they form the idea of "handicraft" or "skill of the hands." This combination is not random – it precisely captures what the word represents: works made with the hands that require technique.

It is worth noting that 芸 by itself has a broader meaning, referring to any type of art or performance. But when combined with 手, the focus narrows to manual skills. This specificity is typical of Japanese, which often uses combinations of kanji to create precise terms.

Handicrafts in contemporary Japanese culture

In modern Japan, 手芸 remains relevant both as a hobby and as a small industry. TV programs, specialized magazines, and even YouTube channels dedicated to the theme are quite popular. Interest in these craft activities has grown even more during the pandemic, when many people sought home-based hobbies.

Interestingly, while in the West, handicrafts are often seen as primarily a female activity, in Japan, 手芸 has enthusiasts of all genders. Universities and community centers frequently offer workshops that attract a diverse audience, showcasing how this practice is rooted in Japanese culture as a whole.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 手仕事 (Teshigoto) - Handicrafts, craftsmanship.
• 手作り (Tezukuri) - Handmade, artisanal.
• 手技 (Shugi) - Handicraft skills, craftsmanship.
• 手業 (Tewaza) - Handicraft, manual skill.
• 手織り (Teori) - Handmade, handmade textile crafts.
• 手回し (Temawashi) - Manual wheel, a technique that involves manual movement.
• 手捌き (Tebaki) - Manual dexterity, skill in handling objects.

手芸

Romaji: shugei
Kana: しゅげい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Craftsmanship

Meaning in English: handicrafts

Definition: Creation of works with fabric, thread, etc.

Example Sentences - (手芸) shugei

See below some example sentences:

手芸は私の趣味です。

Shugei wa watashi no shumi desu

Handicraft is my hobby.

• 手芸 - It means "craftsmanship" in Japanese
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense