Translation and Meaning of: 建設 - kensetsu

The Japanese word 建設 [けんせつ] is an essential term for those who wish to understand practical and cultural aspects of Japan. Whether for students of the Japanese language or curious individuals about the language, knowing its meaning, origin, and everyday usage can open doors to a better understanding of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore from the composition of the kanjis to the context in which this word appears in daily life.

In addition to uncovering the literal translation of 建設, we will see how it is applied in real situations, from informal conversations to news and official documents. If you have ever wondered how to memorize this term or why it is so frequent in discussions about urbanization, keep reading to discover interesting and useful facts.

Meaning and translation of 建設

The term 建設 [けんせつ] can be translated as "construction" or "building". It is composed of two kanji: 建 (ken), which means "to build" or "to raise", and 設 (setsu), which carries the meaning of "to establish" or "to prepare". Together, these ideograms form a word that represents the act of creating physical structures, such as buildings, bridges, or urban infrastructures.

It's worth noting that 建設 (kensetsu) is not limited to just civil construction. In broader contexts, it can be used metaphorically to talk about the development of projects, ideas, or even social relationships. For example, the expression 国家建設 (kokka kensetsu) refers to "nation building," a concept that goes beyond concrete and steel.

Everyday usage and frequency

In Japan, 建設 is a common word in news reports, political debates, and public works signs. Its high frequency of use is directly linked to the country's continuous modernization, which undergoes urban reforms and adaptations for natural disasters. Companies in the sector, known as 建設会社 (kensetsu gaisha), are a vital part of the Japanese economy.

Although it is a technical term, it also appears in everyday conversations. Phrases like 新しい駅の建設が始まった (Atarashii eki no kensetsu ga hajimatta – "Construction of the new station has started") are heard regularly, especially in growing cities. For Japanese language students, recognizing this word in real contexts can be a significant step in learning.

Tips to memorize 建設

An effective way to fix the term is to associate its kanji with concrete images. The character 建 shows a "man" (亻) holding a "sketch" (聿), while 設 combines "words" (言) with a "hand holding a tool" (殳). Visualizing this narrative helps to understand why the word is linked to the idea of planning and executing projects.

Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as 建設業 (kensetsugyou – "construction industry") or 建設現場 (kensetsu genba – "construction site"). Repeating these combinations out loud and using them in simple sentences accelerates the memorization process, especially if accompanied by real images of Japanese constructions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 建築 (kenchiku) - Arquitetura
• 工事 (kouji) - Works, construction
• 創建 (souken) - Creation, construction of something new (usually a building)
• 創設 (sousetsu) - Establishment, foundation (of institutions)
• 創造 (souzou) - Creation, the act of creating something new
• 造成 (zousei) - Formation, shaping, generally referring to the construction or formation of structures
• 作成 (sakusei) - Production, creation of something (documents, projects)
• 作り出す (tsukuridasu) - Produce or create something new
• 造り出す (tsukuridasu) - To build or create something new (emphasizes physical construction)
• 造る (tsukuru) - Build, create, manufacture something
• 作る (tsukuru) - To do, create, produce something (more generally)
• 設立 (setsuritsu) - Establishment, foundation (emphasizes formality)
• 立ち上げる (tachiageru) - Initiate, raise something (like a project)
• 立ち上がる (tachiagaru) - Start up, begin to operate (projects or initiatives)
• 創業 (sougyou) - Foundation, especially of companies
• 創立 (souritsu) - Foundation, establishment (emphasizes the creation of institutions)
• 創始 (soushi) - Beginning, foundation of something new (emphasizes the origin)
• 創意 (soui) - Creative idea, originality
• 創造性 (souzousei) - Creativity, the ability to create
• 創作 (sou saku) - Creation, composition (art, literature)
• 創出 (soushutsu) - Produce, create something new (emphasizes innovation)
• 創発 (souhatsu) - Emergence of new ideas or concepts
• 創意工夫 (souikufu) - Creative innovation, effort to create original solutions
• 創意発想 (souihassou) - Creative ideation, generation of original ideas
• 創造的な (souzouteki na) - Creative, characterized by creativity
• 創造性のある (souzousei no aru) - With creativity, which has creative traits
• 創造的 (souzouteki) - Creative, that creates innovation
• 創造的なアイデア (souzouteki na aidea) - Creative ideas, original thoughts
• 創造的な発想 (souzouteki na hassou) - Creative thoughts, new approaches
• 創造力 (souzouryoku) - Creative capacity, talent for creating