build
Il veut construire une maison.
He wants to build a house.
To construct or assemble something by putting parts together.
Les ouvriers construisent un pont.
The workers are building a bridge.
Elle a construit une carrière réussie.
She built a successful career.
To develop or strengthen something over time (e.g., skills, relationships).
Il construit sa réputation.
He is building his reputation.
To increase or enhance something (e.g., muscle, confidence).
Ces exercices construisent les muscles.
These exercises build muscle.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Collocation Mastery
Pair 'build' with 'up' in phrasal verbs for abstract concepts: 'build up strength', 'build up confidence'. Avoid literal translations like 'make a house'—use 'build a house'.
Gold Rule
Avoid False Friends
Do not confuse 'build' with 'bâtir' (to build a structure) or 'construire' (general construction). 'Bâtir' is specific to buildings, while 'construire' is broader.
Word Origin
From Old English 'byldan', related to Old Norse 'byrja' (to dwell). The French 'bâtir' shares a common Proto-Indo-European root with English 'build'.
Usage Notes
In French, 'construire' is the most common equivalent for 'build', but 'bâtir' is used for buildings (e.g., 'bâtir une maison'). In figurative contexts, 'construire' is preferred (e.g., 'construire une relation').