Translation guide
A person who works with metal, especially one who forges or shapes it. In Japanese, the term depends on the type of metal and the specific craft.
To refer to a person who works with metal, especially iron, in a general sense.
He is the only smith in the village.
A more formal or respectful term for a master blacksmith, often used for highly skilled artisans or in historical contexts.
That sword was made by a renowned smith.
Literally 'iron worker', this can refer to a smith in an industrial or modern context, but is less common for traditional blacksmithing.
The ironworker is assembling the steel frame.
To refer specifically to a smith who makes swords, especially Japanese katana.
The standard term for a swordsmith, specifically one who forges katana and other Japanese blades.
The swordsmith makes swords using traditional methods.
A more formal or historical term for a swordsmith, often used in art and antique contexts.
To refer to a smith who works with precious metals like gold or silver.
A goldsmith or metal artisan who creates decorative items from gold. Can also be used generally for precious metal craftsmen.
She is a skilled goldsmith.
Specifically a silversmith.
A metal engraver or chaser, often working with precious metals to create intricate designs. More specialized than a general smith.
To refer to a smith who works with copper, tin, or similar metals.
To use 'smith' metaphorically, as in 'wordsmith' or 'tunesmith'.
Japanese often forms metaphorical 'smith' terms by combining the object with 師 (master) or 家 (expert). For example, 'wordsmith' can be 言葉の魔術師 (word magician) or simply 作家 (writer). There is no direct equivalent for all metaphorical uses.
He is a wordsmith.
She is a skilled tunesmith.
In modern contexts, especially for music or creative fields, English loanwords like ソングライター (songwriter) or descriptive phrases are often used instead of a direct 'smith' translation.
He is a famous tunesmith.
The English word 'smith' is very broad. In Japanese, you must specify the type of metal or craft. Using 鍛冶屋 (kajiya) is the safest general term for a blacksmith, but for other metals, use the specific compound words.
鍛冶屋 (kajiya) is the everyday word for a blacksmith's shop or the smith themselves. 鍛冶師 (kajishi) is more honorific and emphasizes the skill and artistry, often used for master swordsmiths or in historical texts.
この刀は有名な刀工の作品です。
This sword is the work of a famous swordsmith.
The silversmith made a beautiful ring.
The metal engraver carved a pattern into the silver plate.
The tinsmith is repairing the roof.