How to say "construct" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 築くきずくgodan verb, transitive verbCovers building or constructing something, including erecting physical structures; it also suits intangibles such as trust or a fortune, with a nuance of steady accumulation.
- 作り上げるつくりあげるichidan verb, transitive verbEmphasizes completion: it fits 'construct' when the point is building or creating something into a finished whole, with the effort of seeing the work through to the end.
- 築き上げるきずきあげるichidan verb, transitive verbLike 築く, it covers building, constructing, or putting things up, but with the nuance of carrying the construction through to completion.
- 作るつくるgodan verb, transitive verbThe general-purpose verb for making, producing, or manufacturing; it covers 'construct' in a broad, nonspecific way, without any special nuance of erecting a structure or bringing something to completion.
- 建てるたてるichidan verb, transitive verbUsed for constructing physical structures such as houses and buildings; when 'construct' means actually putting up a building, this is the word you want.
Use 「建てる」 for putting up buildings, 「築く」 for building or erecting something, including intangibles built up steadily, 「築き上げる」 and 「作り上げる」 for constructing something through to completion, and 「作る」 for making in a general sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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