建築士

• Reading: けんちくし
• Romaji: kenchikushi
• Kanji breakdown: 建 (ken) — build; 築 (chiku) — construct; 士 (shi) — professional, person
• Pronunciation: /keɴ.tɕi.kɯ.ɕi/

Meaning

Licensed architect; registered architect. A professionally certified building designer.

A noun for a nationally licensed architect in Japan. There are three levels: 一級建築士 (first-class architect, can design any building), 二級建築士 (second-class, limited to smaller structures), and 木造建築士 (timber architect). The term specifically refers to the licensed professional, not just anyone who designs buildings. Distinct from 建築家 (architect as a creative/artistic title).

Examples

1. 一級建築士の資格を取るために毎日勉強している。 I study every day to obtain my first-class architect license.
2. 建築士に相談して、理想の家を設計してもらった。 I consulted an architect and had them design my dream home.
3. 彼女は建築士として独立して事務所を開いた。 She went independent as an architect and opened her own office.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, career, licensing

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 建築 (architecture, construction) + 士 (professional, person of learning). The suffix 士 denotes a qualified professional, as in 弁護士 (lawyer) or 会計士 (accountant).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional