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.
Construction of the new bridge has begun.
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.
The road is closed due to construction work.
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.
He works at a construction company (that builds houses/buildings).
Learn the techniques of wooden building construction.
Referring to the sector of the economy involved in building.
Referring to the physical object resulting from construction.
A general term for a built structure, often used in formal or technical contexts.
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.
This construction is unnatural in Japanese.
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.
The outcome changes depending on the construction of the law.
A more casual way to say 'way of interpreting' or 'view'. Emphasizes the subjective perspective.
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.
Research trends in the building construction industry.
Preserve historic constructions (buildings).
Design of steel-frame constructions.
Practice English passive constructions.
文の構造を分析する。
Analyze the construction of the sentence.
His words were given a malicious construction.