Meaning and Usage
"工作" (こうさく) primarily refers to handicrafts or manual work involving making things by hand, often as a hobby or educational activity. It can also mean maneuvering or scheming, especially in political or strategic contexts.
Common Contexts
In everyday conversation, "工作" is often used when talking about children making crafts or people engaging in detailed manual tasks. In a more formal or serious context, it can describe behind-the-scenes political or strategic actions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 工作をする: to do handicrafts or manual work
- 工作が得意: to be good at handicrafts or maneuvering
- 政治の工作: political maneuvering or scheming
Register and Nuance
The word is generally neutral but can sound formal or technical depending on context. When used for crafts, it has a friendly, educational nuance. When used for maneuvering, it implies strategic or sometimes secretive actions.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "工作" with "工事" (こうじ), which means construction work. Remember, "工作" is about crafting or scheming, while "工事" refers to building or construction projects.