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.
家を建てる。
I will build a house.
新しい橋を建てる計画がある。
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.
新しい空港を建設する。
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.
城を築く。
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.
新しいシステムを構築する。
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.
Means to incorporate or build something into a larger system or device.
安全機能をシステムに組み込む。
To build safety features into the system.
Means to have something built-in, often used for devices with integrated components.
カメラを内蔵したスマートフォン。
A smartphone with a built-in camera.
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.
このテーブルは自分で作りました。
I built this table myself.
信頼を築く必要がある。
We need to build trust.
机を組み立てる。
I assemble a desk.
To build a team.
貯金を蓄える。
To build up savings.
Literally 'pile up', used for building up experience, achievements, or small efforts.
経験を積み重ねる。
To build up experience.