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精巧 (せいこう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

精せい巧こう

せ

い

こ

う

Common word›JLPTN1›Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

na-adjective, noun

elaborate; exquisite; delicate

Describes something made with great skill and attention to fine detail, often implying high precision and artistry. Used for craftsmanship, machinery, or intricate designs.

この

時計とけい

は

精せい

巧こう

な

細さい

工く

が

施ほどこ

さ

れ

て

いる

。

This watch features elaborate craftsmanship.

精せい巧こうな模も型けいが展てん示じされている。

An exquisite model is on display.

Usage patterns

精せい巧こうな〈物もの〉an elaborately/exquisitely made ~
これは職しょく人にんが作つくった精せい巧こうな模も型けいだ。
This is an exquisitely detailed model made by a craftsman.
〈物もの〉が精せい巧こうにできている~ is made with fine, precise craftsmanship
この時計とけいは精せい巧こうにできている。
This watch is made with exquisite precision.
精せい巧こうに〈動どう詞し〉to do (make, design, etc.) something elaborately
その部ぶ品ひんは精せい巧こうに設せっ計けいされている。
That part is elaborately designed.

Kanji

精refined, ghost, fairy
巧adroit, skilled, ingenuity

Related words

精せい密みつN1
精密 stresses precise, accurate measurement or mechanism, while 精巧 stresses elaborate, artistic craftsmanship in fine detail.
緻ち密みつ
緻密 describes something meticulously detailed or dense in structure, whereas 精巧 emphasizes skillful, artistic intricacy.
巧こう妙みょうN1
巧妙 highlights clever, ingenious technique (often in plans or tricks), while 精巧 focuses on fine, delicate craftsmanship in objects.
繊せん細さいN1
繊細 describes delicate fragility or subtlety, often of feelings or texture, whereas 精巧 describes skillful, intricate construction.
凝こった
精巧 stresses fine, precise craftsmanship (e.g. of machinery or artwork), while 凝った stresses that effort and personal flair went into the design.

Opposites

粗そ雑ざつ
粗雑 describes something crude and roughly made, the opposite of the fine, elaborate craftsmanship implied by 精巧.

Don't confuse with

精せい密みつN1
精巧 describes skillful, elaborate craftsmanship (e.g. an intricate model), while 精密 describes numerical or measurable exactness (e.g. an instrument's accuracy).
整せい合ごう
整合 (せいごう) means consistency or alignment, while 精巧 (せいこう) means fine, elaborate craftsmanship; the words sound similar but are unrelated in meaning.

Word family

不ふ精せい巧こう
clumsy; bungling; inept

Etymology

From 精 (refined, essence) and 巧 (skillful, ingenious). The combination conveys refined skill and intricate workmanship.