1.
blacksmith; smithy
A person who forges metal, especially iron, into tools, blades, and other implements. Also refers to the blacksmith's workshop.
鍛冶屋で包丁を買った。
I bought a kitchen knife at the blacksmith's.
昔はどの村にも鍛冶屋がいた。
In the old days, every village had a blacksmith.
祖父は代々続く鍛冶屋の家に生まれた。
My grandfather was born into a family of blacksmiths going back generations.
A traditional occupation closely tied to Japanese metalworking culture. While the profession has declined, 鍛冶屋 remains well-known through place names, surnames, and the continuing tradition of 刀鍛冶 (swordsmiths). The 屋 suffix indicates both the person and the shop.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 刀鍛冶: swordsmith
- 鍛冶屋の仕事: blacksmith's work
- 鍛冶職人: blacksmith craftsman
- 野鍛冶: rural blacksmith
CULTURAL NOTE:
Many Japanese surnames (鍛冶, 金田) and place names derive from this profession, reflecting its historical importance. Traditional 鍛冶 techniques are still practiced for Japanese kitchen knives and swords.