工夫

くふう· also こうふ

devising (a way); contriving; inventing; thinking up

JLPT N2 Common word Also written 功夫

Meanings

  1. Noun, Suru verb, Transitive

    devising (a way); contriving; inventing; thinking up; figuring out; coming up with; working out
  2. Noun

    device; design; idea; plan; invention
  3. Noun, Suru verb, Transitive

    dedication to spiritual improvement (esp. through Zen meditation)
Rare and archaic meanings (1)
  1. Noun

    labourer; laborer; workmanDatedsensitive

Example sentences