Work, Craft, Construction
Interesting Fact
Long before power tools existed, Japanese carpenters relied on a simple measuring tool called a carpenter's square. 📐 It helped them draw perfect right angles and fit wooden beams together with incredible precision. Historians believe the ancient character 工 was inspired by this tool. Thanks to such careful craftsmanship, many wooden temples and shrines built over 1,000 years ago—including famous landmarks like Hōryū-ji—are still standing today without using modern nails.
Memory Trick
The top and bottom are two strong building beams. The middle is a steel support column holding them together. “Construction” workers carefully connect all three pieces to build a strong building.
Readings
Onyomi: コウ (kou), ク (ku)
Kunyomi:
Example Words
Example Sentence
父は 工場で 働いています。
ちちは こうじょうで はたらいています。
chichi wa koujou de hataraiteimasu
My father works in a factory.