扩建

• Pinyin: kuò jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 扩 = 扌(hand) + 广 (wide) — expand; 建 = 廴 (stride) + 聿 (brush) — build

Meaning

To expand construction; to extend (a building). Adding to existing structures.

Specifically refers to expanding physical structures like buildings, factories, airports, or facilities. Different from 新建 (new construction) as it involves adding to what already exists.

Examples

1. 机场正在扩建第三航站楼。 The airport is currently expanding Terminal 3.
2. 学校计划扩建图书馆以容纳更多学生。 The school plans to expand the library to accommodate more students.
3. 工厂扩建后产能将翻一番。 After the factory expansion, production capacity will double.

Usage Guide

Context: construction, urban planning, business

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这座医院正在扩建中。(This hospital is currently being expanded.)
• 扩建工程预计明年完工。(The expansion project is expected to be completed next year.)

Don't Say

• 用扩建描述全新的建设项目。(扩建 means adding to existing structures — use 新建 for brand-new construction)

Origin & History

Compound of 扩 (expand) + 建 (build). Literally 'expand-build.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal