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March 24, 2026
匠jiàng(jiang4)
The character 匠 (jiàng) refers to an artisan or craftsman, someone skilled in a specific trade or craft. This term is often used in contexts where manual skills and artistry are emphasized, such as woodworking, metalworking, or traditional Chinese crafts.
Strokes6Radical匚Frequency#10378DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, skilled craftsmen are often highly respected for their dedication to their craft, especially in traditional arts like calligraphy and pottery, which can take years to master. The term 匠 reflects the cultural value placed on craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional skills.
Memory Tip
Imagine a craftsman (匠) carefully chiseling away at a piece of wood. The left side of the character resembles a tool used by artisans, while the right side suggests a sense of skill and precision in their work. The pronunciation 'jiàng' sounds like 'jang,' reminiscent of the sound of a hammer striking metal.
Meanings of 匠
jiàng(jiang4)
1artisan, craftsman, workman
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 匠 means.
About 匠
匠Simplified
6Strokes
匚Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 匠
Podcast: 匠
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AI Study Notes for 匠
Quick Contrast
工 (gōng) - use 匠 (jiàng) when emphasizing artistry or skill in a specific craft, while 工 (gōng) is more general and refers to work or labor without the artisanal nuance.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 匠 can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the context; it can refer to a highly skilled tradesperson or imply a lack of sophistication. It's commonly used in combination with other characters, such as 工匠 (gōngjiàng) for 'artisan' or 'craftsman.' Avoid using it in overly formal settings where other terms may be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
While not part of the HSK vocabulary, 匠 connects to HSK 3 and 4 words related to professions and skills, like 工 (gōng, work) and 技术 (jìshù, technology). Focus on understanding its usage in context to enhance vocabulary related to occupations.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 匠 with similar-sounding words or use it incorrectly in formal contexts. For example, using '匠' when referring to a professional engineer (工程师, gōngchéngshī) is incorrect; instead, use the specific title for the profession.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 匠
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 匠 (jiàng) refers to an artisan or craftsman, someone skilled in a specific trade or craft. This term is often used in contexts where manual skills and artistry are emphasized, such as woodworking, metalworking, or traditional Chinese crafts.
When to use 匠
Be mindful that 匠 can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the context; it can refer to a highly skilled tradesperson or imply a lack of sophistication. It's commonly used in combination with other characters, such as 工匠 (gōngjiàng) for 'artisan' or 'craftsman.' Avoid using it in overly formal settings where other terms may be more appropriate.
匠 or something close to it
工 (gōng) - use 匠 (jiàng) when emphasizing artistry or skill in a specific craft, while 工 (gōng) is more general and refers to work or labor without the artisanal nuance.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 匠 with similar-sounding words or use it incorrectly in formal contexts. For example, using '匠' when referring to a professional engineer (工程师, gōngchéngshī) is incorrect; instead, use the specific title for the profession.
Write 匠
匠
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Practice writing 匠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 匠
匠 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
钻石切割靠的是工____的技艺。
The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.
Example Sentences for 匠 (15)
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1
钻石切割靠的是工匠的技艺。
zuān shí qiē gē kào de shì gōng jiàng de jì yì。
The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.
The craftsmen have ensured faithful reproduction of the original painting.
9
那位酒吧侍者斯基普拿出夸张的令人啼笑皆非的小心劲儿调制着酸溜溜的花匠式混合甜饮料.
nà wèi jiǔ bā shì zhě sī jī pǔ ná chū kuā zhāng de líng rén tí xiào jiē fēi de xiǎo xīn jìn ér tiáo zhì zháo suān liū liū de huā jiàng shì hùn hé tián yǐn liào.
Skip , the bartender made the sour planters'punch with exaggerated, ironic care.
10
我想和木匠谈一谈。
wǒ xiǎng hé mù jiàng tán yī tán。
I should like a word with the carpenter.
11
那个木匠做的桌子很漂亮。
Nà gè mùjiàng zuò de zhuōzi hěn piàoliang.
The table made by that carpenter is very beautiful.
12
工匠正在修理这台钟。
Gōngjiàng zhèngzài xiūlǐ zhè tái zhōng.
The craftsman is repairing this clock.
13
我爷爷是个老工匠。
Wǒ yéye shì gè lǎo gōngjiàng.
My grandfather is an experienced craftsman.
14
这个陶匠的作品很有名。
Zhè gè táojiàng de zuòpǐn hěn yǒumíng.
This potter's work is very famous.
15
那个工匠正在修理门。
Nàgè gōngjiàng zhèngzài xiūlǐ mén.
That craftsman is repairing the door.
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Cultural Notes for 匠
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of a craftsman often emphasizes creativity and individuality, whereas in Chinese culture, it may highlight mastery and the importance of tradition in the craft.
Word Family of 匠
Words Containing This Character20
匠jiàngcraftsman
铁匠blacksmith鐵匠
木匠mùjiàngcarpenter
工匠artisan
鞋匠shoemaker
锁匠locksmith鎖匠
巨匠great master (of literature, music etc)
花匠gardener
独具匠心original and ingenious (idiom)獨具匠心
皮匠cobbler
石匠stonemason
泥瓦匠bricklayer
匠心独运original and ingenious (idiom)匠心獨運
泥水匠mason
教书匠hack teacher教書匠
瓦匠tiler
巧匠skilled workman
银匠silversmith銀匠
铜匠coppersmith銅匠
皮鞋匠shoemaker
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 匠
What does 铁匠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匠
You can say '他是一个优秀的匠' (Tā shì yīgè yōuxiù de jiàng) meaning 'He is an excellent craftsman.'
Yes, 匠 can be combined with other characters to specify types of craftsmen, such as 木匠 (mùjiàng, carpenter) or 铁匠 (tiějiàng, blacksmith).
匠 is generally neutral but can be seen as informal in some contexts, so choose your words carefully depending on the audience.
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