1.
artisan temperament; craftsman spirit; dedication to one's craft
The disposition or work ethic typical of a skilled craftsperson: meticulous attention to detail, pride in quality, stubbornness about standards, and devotion to mastering one's trade.
彼は職人気質の料理人だ。
He's a cook with true craftsman spirit.
職人気質で妥協を許さない。
With an artisan temperament, he doesn't allow any compromise.
あの会社には職人気質のエンジニアが多く、製品の品質にこだわりがある。
That company has many engineers with a craftsman mentality, and they're particular about product quality.
Composed of 職人 (craftsperson) + 気質 (temperament/disposition). Note that 気質 uses the special reading かたぎ (not きしつ) when used as a suffix meaning "temperament typical of a group."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 職人気質の人: a person with craftsman spirit
- 職人気質で頑固: stubbornly dedicated to craft
- 職人気質が強い: having a strong artisan temperament
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
This concept is deeply valued in Japanese culture, reflecting respect for masters who devote their lives to perfecting a single craft. It applies beyond traditional trades — modern programmers, chefs, and designers are praised for having 職人気質.
RELATED TERMS:
- 職人: craftsperson; artisan
- こだわり: particular attention to detail; fastidiousness
- 匠: master craftsman