Translation and Meaning of: 建てる - tateru

The Japanese word 建てる (たてる, tateru) is an essential verb for anyone who wants to understand the language in depth. Its main meaning is "to build" or "to erect," but like many words in Japanese, its usage goes beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will look at how it appears in common expressions and some tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you are studying Japanese, you may have already noticed that some words have nuances that only make sense within Japanese culture. 建てる is no different – it carries the idea of creation, whether of physical structures like houses and buildings, or in a more abstract sense, like establishing plans or founding something. Let's unravel all of this below.

Meaning and usage of 建てる in everyday life

The verb 建てる is often used to refer to the construction of buildings, houses, or monuments. For example, when someone says "家を建てる" (いえをたてる, ie o tateru), they are talking about "building a house." However, its use is not limited to just physical structures. It can also be applied in more abstract contexts, such as "計画を建てる" (けいかくをたてる, keikaku o tateru), which means "making a plan" or "establishing a strategy."

An interesting characteristic of 建てる is that it conveys a sense of solidity and permanence. Unlike words like 作る (つくる, tsukuru), which means "to make" in a general sense, 建てる implies something more structured and lasting. This distinction is important for those who want to use the term correctly in conversations or formal texts.

Origin and composition of the kanji 建

The kanji 建 is composed of two main elements: the radical 廴 (ennyou), which represents movement or extension, and 聿 (hitsu), which is associated with writing or action. Together, they form the idea of "to raise" or "to establish." This composition helps to understand why the word is linked to both physical constructions and abstract concepts like laws and foundations.

Interestingly, 建てる also appears in compound words such as 建設 (けんせつ, kensetsu), which means "construction" or "building," and 建立 (こんりゅう, konryuu), used in religious contexts to refer to the construction of temples. These reinforce the connection of the word with the idea of creating something that endures over time.

Tips for memorizing 建てる

An effective way to memorize 建てる is to associate it with concrete images. Picture a building being erected – this scene helps you that the word is related to construction. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "新しいビルを建てる" (あたらしいびるをたてる, atarashii biru o tateru), which means "to build a new building."

Furthermore, it is worth noting that 建てる is a group 2 (ichidan) verb, which means its conjugation follows a more regular pattern. This makes learning easier, especially for those who are already familiar with other verbs from this group, such as 食べる (たべる, taberu) or 見る (みる, miru).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 建てる

• 建てる - Positive Form
• 建てない - negative form
• 建てました - past form
• 建てませんでした Negative past form
• 建てろ - imperative form
• 建てられる - potential form
• 建てなくてもいい conditional form
• 建てられた - ive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 築く (kizuku) - Build, especially in a context related to the construction of houses or structures.
• 造る (tsukuru) - To do, to create, often used in a more general context or related to manufacturing something.
• 創る (tsukuru) - Create, emphasizing artistic or innovative creation, as in art and literature.
• 建造する (kenzō suru) - Build, used in a formal or technical context, especially for large and complex structures.
• 創築する (sōchiku suru) - Build something new or unprecedented, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity in the construction process.