Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Build" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "build", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
建てる
たてる (tateru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
築き上げる
きずきあげる (kizukiageru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "build" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 建てる and 築き上げる.
In Japanese, 建てる (たてる (tateru)) is typically associated with "to build, to construct (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To construct something like a building, house, or monument. It requires a subject to perform the action..
On the other hand, 築き上げる (きずきあげる (kizukiageru)) maps to "to build up, to establish, to construct (often abstract concepts)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 主に、人間関係や社会的な地位、組織など、形のないものを『努力して作り上げる』というニュアンスで使われます。物理的な建物を建てる場合にも使えますが、文脈で判断が必要です。. A literal translation of "build" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "建てる"
彼は新しい家を建てる予定です。
He plans to build a new house.
Bilingual Context for "築き上げる"
彼は長年の努力で、この会社の信頼を築き上げた。
Through many years of effort, he built up the trust of this company.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は新しい家を ＿＿＿ 予定です。" (Meaning: "He plans to build a new house.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "建てる" fits here because it means "to build, to construct (transitive)" in the context of: "He plans to build a new house.". "築き上げる" represents "to build up, to establish, to construct (often abstract concepts)".