(てしごと)

てしごと
noun
handicraft; manual work
1. handicraft; handwork; manual work
Work done by hand rather than by machine. Refers to both the activity and the resulting product, often with a connotation of skilled craftsmanship and warmth.
手仕事(てしごと)(あたた)かみ。
The warmth of handmade work.
祖母(そぼ)手仕事(てしごと)得意(とくい)だった。
My grandmother was good at handicraft.
機械(きかい)にはない手仕事(てしごと)ならではの(あじ)わいがある。
There is a unique charm to handwork that machines cannot produce.

Combines () (hand) + 仕事(しごと) (work). Carries a positive connotation, emphasizing the human touch and craftsmanship that distinguishes handmade items from mass-produced ones. Often used when discussing traditional crafts, artisan work, or home crafts like knitting and sewing.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 手仕事(てしごと)(あたた)かみ — the warmth of handmade work
  • 手仕事(てしごと)(しな) — handcrafted item
  • 丁寧(ていねい)手仕事(てしごと) — careful handiwork

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 手作(てづく)り — handmade; focuses on the homemade quality of something
  • 手芸(しゅげい) — needlework, textile crafts; specifically sewing, knitting, embroidery
  • 工芸(こうげい) — arts and crafts; refers to skilled decorative or fine arts