Translation guide
A mason is a skilled worker who builds with stone, brick, or concrete. In Japanese, the term depends on the material and context, with 石工 (stone mason) being the most direct equivalent.
A person who cuts, shapes, and builds with stone.
The standard term for a stone mason. Can also be read せっこう in formal contexts.
彼は熟練した石工です。
He is a skilled mason.
Literally 'stone shop' or 'stone worker', often used for someone who works with stone, including masons, but can also refer to a stone dealer.
石屋に墓石を注文した。
I ordered a gravestone from the mason.
A person who builds with bricks.
Specifically a brick mason or bricklayer. 煉瓦 means brick, 職人 means craftsman.
煉瓦職人が壁を積んでいる。
The mason is laying bricks for the wall.
Same as above but using katakana for 'brick', common in modern contexts.
レンガ職人を探しています。
I'm looking for a brick mason.
A construction worker who does masonry work, not limited to stone.
A plasterer or mason who works with mortar, concrete, and finishing. Often used for someone who does wall finishing, but can encompass masonry.
左官がコンクリートの壁を仕上げた。
The mason finished the concrete wall.
Literally 'stone stacking craftsman', used for someone who builds stone walls or structures.
石積み職人が城壁を修復している。
The mason is restoring the castle walls.
A member of the Freemasons fraternal organization.
The direct loanword for Freemason. Use this when referring to the organization.
彼はフリーメイソンの会員だ。
He is a member of the Freemasons.
The English word 'mason' is broad. In Japanese, you must specify the material or context. Using 石工 for a brick mason may cause confusion.
石工 (いしく) specifically refers to stone working, while 左官 (さかん) is a broader term for plastering and masonry finishing. Use 石工 for traditional stone cutting and building, and 左官 for modern construction involving mortar and concrete.