建設

• Reading: けんせつ
• Romaji: kensetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 建 (ken) — build, erect; 設 (setsu) — establish, set up
• Pronunciation: /keɴ.se.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Construction; building; establishment. The process of constructing buildings, infrastructure, or institutions.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (建設する). Used for large-scale construction — buildings, bridges, dams, highways — as well as figuratively for building systems or institutions. Common compounds include 建設会社 (construction company), 建設的 (constructive), and 建設現場 (construction site). More formal than 建てる (to build).

Examples

1. 駅の近くに新しいビルを建設している。 They're building a new high-rise near the station.
2. 高速道路の建設に十年もかかった。 It took ten years to build the highway.
3. もっと建設的な意見を出してほしい。 I'd like to hear more constructive opinions.

Usage Guide

Context: infrastructure, business, urban planning

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 建 (ken, to build/erect) and 設 (setsu, to establish/set up). Together, 'building and establishing' — creating something substantial and permanent.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal