Meaning
The N2 kanji 築 is fundamental to understanding concepts of building, constructing, and establishing. This character, pronounced きず when used as a verb, signifies the act of putting things together to form a structure. This can be a physical structure, like erecting a building or constructing a dam, or something more abstract, such as establishing a strong relationship.
築 is a phono-semantic compound kanji, meaning its components hint at both its meaning and its sound.
On the left side, you'll find 竹, the radical for bamboo. Although bamboo isn't typically a primary material for modern buildings, it played a significant role in ancient construction. It was commonly used for scaffolding, temporary structures, and even as a core building material. Thus, this component connects to the idea of construction materials or tools.
To the right is 筑. This character originally depicted an ancient stringed instrument, yet it also conveyed 'pounding earth' or 'ramming'—actions essential for construction, particularly for fortifications and walls. When combined, 竹 and 筑 visually illustrate the building process: utilizing materials (bamboo) and applying force (pounding) to create something sturdy and enduring. The kanji's overall structure evokes this sense of deliberate, solid construction.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived reading, for 築 is チク (chiku). This reading is most commonly encountered when 築 is part of a compound word, often paired with other kanji to form nouns related to construction, architecture, or the process of building. It rarely stands alone with this reading.
- 建築 (kenchiku) — This is perhaps the most common compound you'll find! It means architecture, building, or construction. It refers to both the art and science of designing and constructing buildings, and the buildings themselves.
- 新築 (shinchiku) — Meaning new construction, or a newly built house/building. You'll often see this on real estate listings!
- 改築 (kaichiku) — Refers to reconstruction, remodeling, or renovation of an existing building. It implies making significant changes to the structure.
- 増築 (zōchiku) — This term means an extension or addition to a building, such as adding a new room or wing.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi, or native Japanese reading, for 築 is きず.く (kizu.ku). This reading forms the verb 築く, meaning 'to build,' 'to construct,' or 'to establish.' 築く is remarkably versatile; it applies equally well to both physical structures and abstract concepts, making it a powerful and frequently used verb in Japanese.
- 城を築く (shiro o kizuku) — To build a castle. This is a very literal application, referring to the physical construction.
- 友情を築く (yūjō o kizuku) — To build a friendship. Here, 築く is used for an abstract concept, emphasizing the effort and time invested in creating a strong bond.
- 富を築く (tomi o kizuku) — To amass wealth, or to build a fortune. Again, an abstract concept, suggesting the gradual accumulation and establishment of something substantial.
- 基礎を築く (kiso o kizuku) — To lay a foundation, or to build a basis. This can be for a physical structure or for an idea, a business, or a skill.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are more common words and compounds using 築, grouped by theme to aid your learning!
General Construction & Architecture
- 建築物 (kenchikubutsu) — A building, a structure. This refers specifically to the physical object itself.
- 建築家 (kenchikuka) — An architect. The person who designs buildings.
- 建築基準 (kenchiku kijun) — Building standards or construction regulations.
- 建設 (kensetsu) — Construction, establishment. While similar to 建築, 建設 often refers to larger-scale projects like roads, bridges, or entire facilities, whereas 建築 is more commonly used for buildings.
Specific Types of Construction
- 築城 (chikujō) — Castle construction. A historical term for building fortifications.
- 築港 (chikkō) — Harbor construction. The building of port facilities.
- 築堤 (chikutei) — Embankment construction. Building dikes or levees.
Building Abstract Concepts
- 信頼関係を築く (shinrai kankei o kizuku) — To build a relationship of trust. This emphasizes the effort and time put into creating a solid, dependable bond.
- 地位を築く (chii o kizuku) — To establish a position/status. This means to work hard to achieve a certain standing or rank.
- 文化を築く (bunka o kizuku) — To build a culture. This refers to the collective effort over time to develop customs, values, and traditions.
- 人生を築く (jinsei o kizuku) — To build one's life. A broader concept, encompassing all the efforts and choices made to shape one's life.
Example Sentences
この家は昨年新築されました。
Kono ie wa sakunen shinchiku saremashita.
This house was newly built last year.
彼らは信頼関係を築くのに時間をかけた。
Karera wa shinrai kankei o kizuku no ni jikan o kaketa.
They took time to build a relationship of trust.
地域の発展のため、新しい図書館を築く計画があります。
Chiiki no hatten no tame, atarashii toshokan o kizuku keikaku ga arimasu.
There is a plan to build a new library for the development of the region.
古い建物の改築工事が来月始まります。
Furui tatemono no kaichiku kōji ga raigetsu hajimarimasu.
The renovation work for the old building will start next month.
この国は長い歴史の中で文化を築いてきました。
Kono kuni wa nagai rekishi no naka de bunka o kizuite kimashita.
This country has built its culture over a long history.
将来のために強固な基礎を築くことが重要です。
Shōrai no tame ni kyōko na kiso o kizuku koto ga jūyō desu.
It is important to build a strong foundation for the future.
彼は会社の成功に大きく貢献し、その地位を築きました。
Kare wa kaisha no seikō ni ookiku kōken shi, sono chii o kizukimashita.
He contributed greatly to the company's success and built his position.
この島には、昔の人々が築いた美しい石垣が残っています。
Kono shima ni wa, mukashi no hitobito ga kizuita utsukushii ishigaki ga nokotte imasu.
Beautiful stone walls built by people of the past remain on this island.
建築家は新しいコンセプトで画期的な商業施設を築き上げました。
Kenchikuka wa atarashii konseputo de kakkiteki na shōgyō shisetsu o kizukiagemashita.
The architect built an innovative commercial facility with a new concept.
Memory Tip
To easily remember 築, visualize its components. The left side is 竹, the bamboo radical. Imagine yourself building something grand, using sturdy bamboo scaffolding for support. The right side, 筑, sounds like its On'yomi, CHIKU, and historically meant 'pounding earth.' So, picture using bamboo (竹) tools to pound (筑) the ground, laying a solid foundation to build your project. This vivid image of diligent construction, combining natural materials and hard effort, directly connects to the kanji's meaning of building and constructing. Remember: Bamboo for building by pounding!