To build or construct physical structures like houses or buildings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for constructing buildings or large structures.
- Commonly paired with nouns like house, building, or bridge.
- Can be used metaphorically for establishing systems or organizations.
Overview
- 1概要：「建てる」は、主に木材やコンクリートなどを用いて、家屋、ビル、橋、塔などの建造物を新たに築き上げる行為を指します。日常会話からビジネスシーンまで幅広く使われる基本的な動詞です。2) 使用パターン：「[目的語]を建てる」という形で使われます。「家を建てる」「ビルを建てる」のように、何を対象にするかが明確な場合に用います。また、比喩的な表現として「計画を立てる（※この場合は別の漢字を使うのが一般的ですが、稀に組織や体制を築く文脈で『建てる』が使われることもあります）」という文脈もあります。3) 一般的な文脈：個人の住宅購入、都市開発、あるいは歴史的な建造物の建設など、物理的な存在をゼロから作り出す場面で頻繁に使用されます。4) 類似語との比較：「作る（つくル）」は非常に広義で、料理から工芸品まで何でも含みますが、「建てる」は「建造物」に限定されます。「建設する」は「建てる」よりも硬い表現で、ニュースや公的な文書、大きなプロジェクトなどで好まれます。「建築する」は、設計やデザインの側面を含めた専門的なニュアンスが強くなります。
Examples
来年、郊外に家を建てる予定です。
everydayI plan to build a house in the suburbs next year.
政府は新しい橋を建設する計画を承認した。
formalThe government approved the plan to construct a new bridge.
あそこに高いビルを建てているね。
informalThey are building a tall building over there, aren't they?
古代の文明は巨大な神殿を建てた。
academicAncient civilizations built massive temples.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
マイホームを建てる
to build one's own home
新築を建てる
to build a new house
Often Confused With
This is a homophone used for abstract concepts like plans (計画を立てる) or placing items vertically (棒を立てる). It does not involve construction.
This is a formal synonym for 'to build'. It is used primarily for large-scale infrastructure projects rather than personal residential houses.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '建てる' for physical structures in both casual and formal speech. It is the most natural term for residential construction. Avoid using it for abstract concepts like 'making a plan' or 'setting a record'.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse 建てる and 立てる due to the same reading. Remember that 建てる has the 'building' radical. Also, avoid using it for small items like 'making a lunch' (use 作る instead).
Tips
Focus on the Kanji radical
The kanji 建 contains the radical for 'road' or 'movement' (廴), suggesting the expansion of structures in a space. Remembering this helps distinguish it from generic 'making' verbs.
Don't confuse with 立てる
Be careful not to use 立てる for buildings. 立てる is for abstract things like plans or vertical objects, whereas 建てる is strictly for construction.
The importance of home ownership
In Japan, 'building one's own house' (マイホームを建てる) is a significant life milestone. It often represents long-term stability and family success.
Word Origin
The kanji 建 combines 'movement' (廴) and a shape representing a structure. It originally referred to setting up a foundation or establishing a base for a structure.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the act of building a house often involves a Shinto ceremony called 'Jichinsai' to appease the land spirits. This highlights the cultural importance of the construction process.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'building' kanji 建 as a structure with a strong foundation. You 'construct' (建てる) the building, but you 'stand up' (立てる) a stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「建てる」は家やビルなどの建造物を造る時に使います。一方で「立てる」は、棒や旗を垂直に置く、あるいは計画や予定を策定する時に使います。
「建てる」は日常的で一般的な表現です。「建設する」はよりフォーマルで、大規模なプロジェクトや公的な工事の際に使われます。
マンション、ビル、塔、橋、小屋などがよく使われます。物理的に地面に固定される構造物であれば何でも対象になります。
「建てた」となります。例：「去年、新しい家を建てました。」
Test Yourself
将来、自分の家を___つもりです。
家という建造物を作る場合は「建てる」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
To build or construct physical structures like houses or buildings.
- Used for constructing buildings or large structures.
- Commonly paired with nouns like house, building, or bridge.
- Can be used metaphorically for establishing systems or organizations.
Focus on the Kanji radical
The kanji 建 contains the radical for 'road' or 'movement' (廴), suggesting the expansion of structures in a space. Remembering this helps distinguish it from generic 'making' verbs.
Don't confuse with 立てる
Be careful not to use 立てる for buildings. 立てる is for abstract things like plans or vertical objects, whereas 建てる is strictly for construction.
The importance of home ownership
In Japan, 'building one's own house' (マイホームを建てる) is a significant life milestone. It often represents long-term stability and family success.
Examples
4 of 4来年、郊外に家を建てる予定です。
I plan to build a house in the suburbs next year.
政府は新しい橋を建設する計画を承認した。
The government approved the plan to construct a new bridge.
あそこに高いビルを建てているね。
They are building a tall building over there, aren't they?
古代の文明は巨大な神殿を建てた。
Ancient civilizations built massive temples.
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