築き上げる

• Reading: きずきあげる
• Romaji: kizukiageru
• Kanji breakdown: 築 (chiku) — build, construct, fortify; 上 (jou) — above, raise, complete
• Pronunciation: /ki.zɯ.ki.a.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To build up over time; to construct and accumulate through sustained effort; to establish something substantial from nothing.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb that emphasises the gradual, effortful nature of construction. Unlike simply 作る (to make) or 建てる (to erect a building), 築き上げる implies that something was built layer upon layer over a long period, often through great difficulty. Commonly used with abstract achievements such as 信頼 (trust), 実績 (track record), キャリア (career), or 地位 (standing). The 上げる component adds a sense of completion and elevation to a higher level.

Examples

1. 父は三十年以上かけて、小さな店をゼロから大企業に築き上げた。 Over more than thirty years, my father built a small shop up from nothing into a large company.
2. 長い年月をかけて築き上げた信頼も、一つの裏切りで崩れ去ることがある。 Even trust built up over many long years can crumble with a single act of betrayal.
3. 彼女はたゆまぬ努力で国際的な評価を築き上げ、分野の第一人者となった。 Through unwavering effort she built up an international reputation, becoming the leading figure in her field.

Usage Guide

Context: business, biography, self-development, relationships

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 築く (to build, to construct, especially foundations or earthworks) and 上げる (to raise up, to complete). The kanji 築 originally referred to building ramparts or earthen fortifications.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes