彫刻

• Reading: ちょうこく
• Romaji: choukoku
• Kanji breakdown: 彫 (chou) — carve, engrave; 刻 (koku) — engrave, cut
• Pronunciation: /t͡ɕoː.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Carving; engraving; sculpture. A three-dimensional artwork created by shaping materials such as stone, wood, or metal.

A noun that can also function as a する-verb (彫刻する, to carve or sculpt). 彫刻 covers both the process of carving and the finished sculptural work. Used in art, architecture, and craft contexts. Common collocations include 彫刻家 (sculptor), 木彫り彫刻 (wood carving), and 彫刻刀 (carving knife).

Examples

1. 公園に大きな彫刻が置いてある。 There's a large sculpture placed in the park.
2. 美術の授業で木の彫刻を作った。 I made a wood sculpture in art class.
3. あの美術館は彫刻のコレクションで有名だ。 That art museum is famous for its sculpture collection.

Usage Guide

Context: art, museums, crafts

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 彫 (carve, engrave) and 刻 (engrave, cut). Both characters convey the act of cutting into a material, together meaning carved or sculpted work.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal