Translation guide
The English verb 'construct' covers building physical structures, creating abstract things like theories or sentences, and forming geometric figures. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being constructed.
To build something like a building, bridge, or machine by putting parts together.
Most common for large-scale construction like buildings, bridges, roads. Emphasizes the process of building.
There is a plan to construct a new bridge.
General verb for building houses, buildings, etc. More everyday than 建設する.
He constructed his own house.
To assemble or put together from parts, like furniture or machinery.
I constructed the shelf while looking at the instructions.
Often used metaphorically (build a fortune, relationship) but can mean to construct a building in a more literary or historical sense.
It took many years to construct the castle.
To form an idea, theory, system, or story by organizing parts.
Used for building systems, theories, relationships, databases, etc. Emphasizes careful design.
Constructing a new theory is difficult.
To compose or make up a whole from parts, often used for stories, arguments, or organizations.
This novel is constructed in three parts.
To put words together according to grammatical rules.
To draw a shape like a triangle or circle using specific tools or rules.
建設する is more formal and often used for public works or large projects. 建てる is the everyday verb for building houses, shops, etc. 建てる can also be used metaphorically (e.g., 国を建てる found a country), but 建設する is not used that way.
建設する is only for physical structures. For abstract construction like theories or systems, use 構築する or 作り上げる.
To build up or create something through effort, like a story, reputation, or plan.
He constructed a clever alibi.
You need to construct your writing logically.
I constructed a triangle by drawing straight lines with a ruler.