Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Construction" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "construction", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
工事
こうじ (kōji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
構築
こうちく (kōchiku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "construction" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 工事 and 構築.
In Japanese, 工事 (こうじ (kōji)) is typically associated with "construction work" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers specifically to the work of building, repairing, or demolishing structures. Often seen on signs like 工事中.
On the other hand, 構築 (こうちく (kōchiku)) maps to "construction, building, establishing, structuring" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents More formal than 建設. A literal translation of "construction" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "工事"
道路の工事で、通行止めになっています。
The road is closed due to construction work.
Bilingual Context for "構築"
新しいビジネスモデルの構築を目指す。
We aim to build a new business model.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "道路の ＿＿＿ で、通行止めになっています。" (Meaning: "The road is closed due to construction work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "工事" fits here because it means "construction work" in the context of: "The road is closed due to construction work.". "構築" represents "construction, building, establishing, structuring".