What does 工夫（する） mean?


I am aware of the generic English translation: In this case, "device" or "to
devise" in English, but this does not really help me out. In what context
would you use this word? 例文 would really be appreciated. Thank you!




It is not an intuitively obvious word but if you look at the following
examples you should be able to work out how to use it as verb to devise,
contrive or invent:

> 「新しい方法を—する」｜To come up with a new way
>
> これは私が工夫したのです｜This is my own invention. / I thought this up myself.
>
> 何とか工夫してみましょう｜I'll see if I can't come up with something.




Usually used when ingenuity is involved. Example sentences (with translations)
are available on [Space
ALC](http://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E5%B7%A5%E5%A4%AB&ref=sa), for example

> その映画には、新しい工夫が無数にこらされている。  
>  There is an enormous amount of invention in the film.
>
> ちょっとした工夫を必要とする  
>  require a little ingenuity

