Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Build" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "build", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
築き上げる
きずきあげる (kizukiageru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
築く
きずく (kizuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "build" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 築き上げる and 築く.
In Japanese, 築き上げる (きずきあげる (kizukiageru)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 築く (きずく (kizuku)) maps to "to build, to construct, to establish" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for building physical structures. A literal translation of "build" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "築く"
彼は新しい時代を築くために努力した。
He strove to build a new era.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は長年の努力で、この会社の信頼を築き上げた。" (Meaning: "Through many years of effort, he built up the trust of this company.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "築き上げる" fits here because it means "to build up, to establish, to construct (often abstract concepts)" in the context of: "Through many years of effort, he built up the trust of this company.". "築く" represents "to build, to construct, to establish".