Meanings of 手工
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Podcast: 手工
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AI study notes for 手工
手艺 (shǒuyì) refers more specifically to the skill or craft involved in manual work, while 手工 (shǒugōng) emphasizes the act of doing work by hand.
Be careful not to confuse 手工 with machinery-related terms, as this word emphasizes human effort. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in education and artisan settings. Common collocations include '手工艺' (handicraft) and '手工制作' (handmade).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 手工 connects with other terms related to craftsmanship and skills. Students should focus on using it in sentences that highlight the contrast between manual and machine-made items, and practice related vocabulary like '工艺' (craftsmanship).
Learners often mistakenly use 手工 to refer to any kind of work, including automated processes. For example, saying '手工机器' (manual machine) is incorrect; it should be '手工制作' (handmade).
Pronunciation of 手工
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Component characters
How to say handwork in Chinese
“handwork” in Chinese is手工
手工 (shǒugōng) refers to work done by hand, emphasizing the manual aspect of making or crafting items. It is commonly used in contexts such as crafts, handmade goods, and activities that require skillful hand movements, contrasting with machine-made or automated processes.
When to use 手工
Be careful not to confuse 手工 with machinery-related terms, as this word emphasizes human effort. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in education and artisan settings. Common collocations include '手工艺' (handicraft) and '手工制作' (handmade).
手工 or something close to it
手艺 (shǒuyì) refers more specifically to the skill or craft involved in manual work, while 手工 (shǒugōng) emphasizes the act of doing work by hand.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 手工 to refer to any kind of work, including automated processes. For example, saying '手工机器' (manual machine) is incorrect; it should be '手工制作' (handmade).
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Practice writing 手工 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 手工
手工 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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她是几个小企业和小____艺者的资助人。
She is a patron of small businesses and trades.
Example sentences for 手工 (9)
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Frequently asked questions about 手工
手工 activities can include knitting, pottery, woodworking, and various forms of art that require manual skills.
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