Translation guide
The English phrase "build up" has several distinct meanings, from physical accumulation to emotional preparation. This guide breaks down the most common uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To gather, collect, or increase in amount over time, often referring to substances, stress, or abstract things.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to accumulate' or 'to build up' (of things like dust, stress, fatigue). Often used for unwanted buildup.
ストレスが溜まっている。
Stress is building up.
部屋にほこりが溜まった。
Dust has built up in the room.
Transitive verb meaning 'to accumulate' or 'to build up' (something). Used when someone is causing the buildup.
彼はストレスを溜めやすい。
He tends to build up stress easily.
Intransitive verb for snow, dust, or feelings piling up. Often used for physical layers.
雪が積もっている。
Snow is building up.
Formal/technical term for accumulation, often used in business or science contexts.
脂肪が体内に蓄積する。
Fat builds up in the body.
To gradually develop, increase, or strengthen something like a skill, reputation, or relationship.
To build up (a relationship, trust, career, etc.) through effort over time.
信頼関係を築くのに時間がかかる。
It takes time to build up a trusting relationship.
彼は長年の経験を築いてきた。
He has built up years of experience.
To nurture or build up (a skill, business, etc.) gradually.
To strengthen or build up (defenses, muscles, etc.).
筋肉を強化する。
Build up muscles.
To talk about someone or something in a very positive way, often to create excitement or expectation.
Literally 'to lift up'; figuratively means to praise or build someone up, sometimes excessively.
彼はいつも上司を持ち上げている。
He's always building up his boss.
To praise effusively, to build up with compliments.
To stir up expectations, to build up hype.
メディアが期待を煽りすぎた。
The media built up expectations too much.
To gradually increase physical strength, endurance, or mental readiness.
To train, discipline, or build up (body, mind, skills).
体を鍛える。
Build up one's body.
精神力も鍛えられる。
You can also build up mental strength.
To build up physical strength/stamina.
ランニングで体力をつける。
Build up stamina by running.
To become stronger or more intense, often used for weather, traffic, or pressure.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get stronger' or 'to intensify'.
風が強まってきた。
The wind is building up.
To become violent or intense (rain, storm, etc.).
雨が激しくなってきた。
The rain is building up.
Directly translating 'build up' as 建て上げる (tateageru) is unnatural. Use context-appropriate verbs like 溜まる, 築く, or 鍛える.
溜まる is intransitive (stress builds up by itself), while 溜める is transitive (someone builds up stress). Choose based on whether there is a deliberate actor.
語学力を育てる。
Build up language skills.
彼女は新製品を褒めちぎった。
She built up the new product with praise.