Building meanings in Japanese

建物 (たてもので, tatemono)

Example:

The building is very tall.

その建物はとても高いです。

We visited an old building yesterday.

私たちは昨日、古い建物を訪れました。

Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in architectural discussions, real estate, or everyday conversations about physical structures.

Note: This term refers to any physical structure, including houses, offices, and monuments.

構造物 (こうぞうぶつ, kouzoubutsu)

Example:

The structure of the building is impressive.

その建物の構造物は印象的です。

They are studying the structural integrity of the building.

彼らは建物の構造的な健全性を研究しています。

Usage: FormalContext: Used mainly in engineering or architectural contexts.

Note: This term emphasizes the engineering aspect of buildings.

ビル (biru)

Example:

I work in a big office building.

私は大きなオフィスビルで働いています。

There are many shops in that building.

そのビルにはたくさんの店があります。

Usage: InformalContext: Commonly used to refer to large commercial buildings or skyscrapers.

Note: The term 'ビル' is borrowed from English and is frequently used in urban contexts.

建設 (けんせつ, kensetsu)

Example:

The building construction will take two years.

その建物の建設は二年かかります。

They are involved in building new homes.

彼らは新しい家の建設に関わっています。

Usage: FormalContext: Used in discussions about construction, architecture, and development.

Note: While this term translates to 'construction,' it can refer to the process of building in a broader sense.

ビルディング (birudingu)

Example:

This is a multi-purpose building.

これは多目的ビルディングです。

The new building is an eco-friendly structure.

新しいビルディングは環境に優しい構造です。

Usage: InformalContext: Used in casual conversation, often in a business or modern context.

Note: The term 'ビルディング' is another loanword from English, often used interchangeably with 'ビル'.

structure

A structure refers to a constructed object or system designed for a specific purpose.

Example: The ancient structure was a marvel of engineering.

Note: While a building is a type of structure, not all structures are buildings. Structures can include bridges, towers, or frameworks.

edifice

An edifice is a large, imposing building, often with architectural significance.

Example: The grand edifice stood tall in the city center.

Note: Edifice typically conveys a sense of grandeur or importance, whereas a building can refer to any constructed shelter or enclosure.

construction

Construction refers to the process of building or assembling a structure.

Example: The construction of the new office building will begin next month.

Note: Unlike 'building,' which can refer to a completed structure, 'construction' specifically indicates the ongoing process of creating a building.

premises

Premises refer to the land and buildings that a business or organization occupies.

Example: The company's premises include several office buildings and a warehouse.

Note: While 'building' focuses on the physical structure itself, 'premises' encompass both the building and the surrounding land or property.

Break the ice

To break the ice means to initiate a conversation or social interaction, especially in a situation where people are unfamiliar with each other.

Example: Let's break the ice by talking about something non-work related.

Note: This phrase has a figurative meaning and does not directly relate to physically breaking anything like a building.

Bite the bullet

To bite the bullet means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and resilience.

Example: I have to bite the bullet and tell my boss about the mistake I made.

Note: This phrase involves facing a difficult situation bravely, unlike building which is a physical structure.

The ball is in your court

This phrase means that the responsibility for making a decision or taking action lies with someone else.

Example: I've given you all the necessary information, so now the ball is in your court.

Note: The phrase uses a sports analogy and has no direct connection to building in a literal sense.

Back to the drawing board

This phrase is used to indicate that a plan or idea has failed and that it is necessary to start over from the beginning.

Example: The prototype didn't work as expected, so it's back to the drawing board for us.

Note: The phrase refers to going back to the initial stage of planning or designing, not to physically rebuilding a structure.

Put all your eggs in one basket

To put all your eggs in one basket means to risk everything on a single venture, which could result in losing everything if it fails.

Example: Investing all your money in one stock is risky; don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Note: This phrase involves risking everything on a single opportunity, contrasting with the stability and permanence associated with a building.

A piece of cake

When something is described as a piece of cake, it means it is very easy to do.

Example: The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in half the time.

Note: The phrase relates to ease and simplicity, unlike the complex and labor-intensive process of constructing a building.

Burn the midnight oil

To burn the midnight oil means to work late into the night, especially to complete a task or project.

Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project before the deadline.

Note: This phrase refers to working late hours, contrasting with the physical act of construction associated with a building.

Crib

Crib is slang for a home or residence, often used informally to refer to one's own place.

Example: Let's head back to my crib to grab the keys.

Note: The term 'crib' is more casual and colloquial than 'building', emphasizing a sense of familiarity and personal ownership.

Pad

Pad is a slang term for a dwelling or living space, commonly used to describe one's home or apartment.

Example: I'll meet you at my pad after work.

Note: Unlike 'building', 'pad' conveys a more relaxed and informal tone, typically associated with a personal or cozy living space.

Spot

Spot is slang for a particular place or location, often used to refer to a specific spot within a building or area.

Example: We found a cool spot downtown for the party.

Note: While 'building' refers to the structure itself, 'spot' highlights a specific area or place within that building or location.

Joint

Joint is a slang term for a place, typically used to describe a restaurant, bar, or social establishment.

Example: Let's grab a coffee at that new joint down the street.

Note: Unlike 'building', 'joint' is more casual and implies a social or hangout setting rather than just a physical structure.

Digs

Digs is slang for a place where someone lives or stays, often referring to a residence or accommodation.

Example: Her new digs are really nice - you should check them out.

Note: While 'building' is a generic term for any structure, 'digs' specifically emphasizes the living or housing aspect of the place.

Abode

Abode is a more formal slang term for a place where someone lives or resides, commonly used to describe a home or dwelling.

Example: His abode is a quaint little cottage by the lake.

Note: Compared to the neutral term 'building', 'abode' has a slightly more elevated or literary connotation, often associated with a sense of coziness or refuge.

Hangout

Hangout is slang for a place where people regularly meet or socialize, often used to describe a favorite spot for gatherings.

Example: The abandoned warehouse became our secret hangout spot.

Note: Unlike 'building', 'hangout' carries a social connotation, emphasizing the place's function as a meeting point or social hub rather than just a physical structure.

The building is under construction.

The city has many historic buildings.

The architect designed a unique building.

Building - Verb (Verb) / Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle)

Lemma: build

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): builds

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): build

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): built

Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): built

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): building

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): builds

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): build

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): build

Syllables, Separation and Stress

building Contains 2 syllables: build • ing

Phonetic transcription: ˈbil-diŋ

build ing , ˈbil diŋ (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

building: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Building