noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
craftsmanship; workmanship; handiwork
Refers to skilled manual work, often involving intricate detail. Can be used for the act of crafting or the resulting product.
この家具は細工がとても細かい。
This furniture has very fine craftsmanship.
彼
He crafted the wood into a beautiful box.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
Carries a negative connotation of underhanded manipulation, such as rigging, doctoring, or setting up a scheme. Often used in compounds like 細工をする (to tamper with) or 裏細工 (behind-the-scenes maneuvering).
帳簿に細工をして金をごまかした。
He tampered with the books and embezzled money.
選挙で細工があったという噂だ。
There are rumors of rigging in the election.