築く

• Reading: きずく
• Romaji: kizuku
• Kanji breakdown: 築 (chiku/kizu) — build, construct, pile up
• Pronunciation: /ki.zɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To build; to construct; to establish. Creating something substantial over time through effort.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the く row. Distinct from 気づく (to notice) despite similar pronunciation. Used for building physical structures (城を築く — to build a castle), establishing relationships (信頼を築く — to build trust), and creating a foundation (基盤を築く — to lay a foundation). Implies deliberate, sustained effort to create something lasting. More literary than 建てる (to build/erect).

Examples

1. 彼は長年かけて信頼関係を築いた。 He built a relationship of trust over many years.
2. この城は四百年前に築かれた。 This castle was built four hundred years ago.
3. 新しいキャリアの基盤を築きたい。 I want to build a foundation for a new career.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, history, career

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 築 combines 竹 (bamboo), 筑 (an ancient musical instrument), and 木 (wood), evoking the image of constructing with natural materials — piling earth and wood to create structures.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal