noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
devising; contriving; figuring out
The act of thinking creatively to find a way, solve a problem, or come up with a method. Often used with する to mean 'devise', 'work out', or 'come up with'.
新しい方法を工夫する必要がある。
We need to devise a new method.
彼は
He is always thinking up interesting ideas.
noun
The result of devising: a clever idea, design, or contrivance. Used as a noun for the thing thought up.
これは彼の工夫の一つだ。
This is one of his inventions.
小さな工夫で作業が楽になった。
A small device made the work easier.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
dedication to spiritual improvement (esp. Zen)
Specialized Buddhist term for applying oneself diligently to spiritual practice, especially through Zen meditation. Rare in everyday language.
禅寺で修行僧が工夫を重ねている。
At the Zen temple, the monks are devoting themselves to spiritual improvement.