artigianato
The English word 'craft' translates to Italian as artigianato.
artigianato is used to refer to the collective sector or the industry of crafts. In casual conversations, Italians commonly use the word hobby to refer to various crafts.
Meaning: particular kind of skilled work (noun)
Which one should you use?
While artigianato refers to the industry or sector of crafts, you should use mestiere when referring to a specific trade or the practical skill of a single worker. For example, if you want to specify a type of craft, you might use la lavorazione del legno for woodworking or il lavoro a maglia for knitting.
How does it change in a sentence?
artigianato is a mass noun and is typically used in the singular to describe the concept of craft or the craft sector.
Did you know?
- An Italian might use the word bottega to describe a small, traditional craft shop, a term that evokes the historical atmosphere of Renaissance workshops.
- In Italy, many traditional crafts are protected by 'marchi di tutela', which are official legal marks that ensure a product is actually made using a specific regional craft.
- The word artigianato is derived from arte, meaning 'art'. In historical Italian guilds, there was no conceptual wall between a fine artist and a skilled craftsperson.
Examples in context
- L'artigianato italiano è famoso in tutto il mondo.Italian craftwork is famous worldwide.
- Mi piace fare lavoro manuale come il fai-da-te.I enjoy doing crafts like DIY projects.
- L'artigianato locale è molto prezioso.Local craft is very precious.
- Apprezzo molto l'artigianato della ceramica.I really appreciate the craft of ceramics.
- Questo negozio vende l'artigianato tipico della zona.This shop sells the typical craft of the area.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are visiting a street market.
- SofiaGuarda che bello questo artigianato in pelle!Look how beautiful this leather craft is!
- LorenzoHai ragione, Sofia, è fatto a mano.You are right, Sofia, it is handmade.
- SofiaQuanto costa questa borsa?How much does this bag cost?
- LorenzoÈ costosa, ma la qualità è ottima.It is expensive, but the quality is excellent.
