Translation guide
The English word "construction" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean the physical act of building, the industry, a grammatical structure, or a way of interpreting something.
Referring to the physical activity of building something, such as a building, bridge, or road.
The most common and general term for construction of large-scale structures like buildings, bridges, and roads. Often used in compound words.
新しい橋の建設が始まった。
Construction of the new bridge has begun.
この地域では建設ラッシュが続いている。
A construction boom continues in this area.
Refers to construction work or engineering works, often with a focus on the on-site activity or the project itself. Commonly seen on signs at construction sites.
道路工事のため、通行止めになっています。
The road is closed due to construction work.
このビルは現在改修工事中です。
This building is currently under renovation construction.
Specifically refers to the construction of buildings (architecture). It can also mean 'architecture' as a field. Use this for houses, offices, etc.
彼は建築会社で働いている。
He works at a construction company (that builds houses/buildings).
木造建築の技術を学ぶ。
Learn the techniques of wooden building construction.
Referring to the sector of the economy involved in building.
The standard term for the construction industry as a whole.
建設業は景気の影響を受けやすい。
The construction industry is susceptible to economic fluctuations.
Specifically the building construction industry (houses, offices), as opposed to civil engineering.
Referring to the physical object resulting from construction.
A general term for a built structure, often used in formal or technical contexts.
この巨大な建造物は何ですか。
What is this huge construction?
Specifically a building or architectural structure.
A structure, often emphasizing the engineering aspect. Used for bridges, towers, etc.
Referring to the way words are put together in a sentence; syntax.
The standard term for sentence structure or syntax. Used in linguistics and language learning.
この構文は日本語では不自然です。
This construction is unnatural in Japanese.
英語の受動構文を練習する。
Practice English passive constructions.
Means 'structure' and can be used for grammatical structure, but is broader and less specific than 構文.
Referring to the way something is interpreted or the meaning someone gives to it.
The most direct translation for 'interpretation' or 'construction' in the sense of understanding meaning. Often used in legal or literary contexts.
法律の解釈によって結果が変わる。
The outcome changes depending on the construction of the law.
彼の言葉は悪意に解釈された。
His words were given a malicious construction.
A more casual way to say 'way of interpreting' or 'view'. Emphasizes the subjective perspective.
それは人によって捉え方が違う。
The construction of that differs from person to person.
建設 (kensetsu) is the broadest term for construction of infrastructure and large projects. 工事 (kouji) focuses on the actual work or project, often seen on signs. 建築 (kenchiku) is specifically for buildings and architecture. Use 建設 for general 'construction', 工事 for 'construction work', and 建築 for 'building construction' or 'architecture'.
建設 only refers to physical construction. For grammatical construction, use 構文 (koubun) or 構造 (kouzou). Using 建設 for language would sound like you are building a sentence with bricks.
建築業界の動向を調べる。
Research trends in the building construction industry.
歴史的な建築物を保存する。
Preserve historic constructions (buildings).
鉄骨構造物の設計。
Design of steel-frame constructions.
文の構造を分析する。
Analyze the construction of the sentence.