Translation guide
The English verb 'build' covers constructing physical structures, creating abstract things, and developing skills or relationships. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being built.
To build a building, house, bridge, or other physical structure.
The most common verb for constructing buildings, houses, and other structures. Focuses on the act of erecting something.
I will build a house.
There is a plan to build a new bridge.
A more formal term often used for large-scale construction projects like buildings, roads, or infrastructure.
They will build a new airport.
Used for building something solid and lasting, like a stone wall or a fortress. Can also be used metaphorically.
To build a castle.
To build something by putting parts together, like a machine, model, or furniture.
To build a relationship, career, reputation, system, or other non-physical thing.
Used for building abstract things over time, such as relationships, trust, or a career. Implies a gradual, solid process.
A formal term for building systems, networks, or frameworks. Often used in business or technical contexts.
To build a new system.
Can also be used for abstract things like rules, teams, or stories, but is less specific than 築く.
To accumulate or increase something over time, like savings, strength, or a collection.
To include something as a permanent part of a system, device, or plan.
建てる is only for buildings and structures. 作る is the general 'make' and can be used for many physical objects. 築く is for building something solid and lasting, often abstract like trust or a career, but also for physical things like a castle. For assembling furniture, 組み立てる is more precise than 作る.
In many cases, English 'build' is used metaphorically where Japanese uses a different verb. For example, 'build a fire' is 火を起こす (hi wo okosu), not 火を建てる. 'Build a website' is often ウェブサイトを作る or 構築する, not 建てる.
I built this table myself.
We need to build trust.
I assemble a desk.
To build a team.
To build up savings.
Literally 'pile up', used for building up experience, achievements, or small efforts.
To build up experience.