建てる

tateru
verbIntermediate
general

to construct or erect a building or structure

私たちは学校を建てる計画を立てた。

We made plans to build a school.

💡

Commonly used for physical construction projects.

figurative

to establish or create something abstract (e.g., a system, relationship, or reputation)

彼は自分の会社を建てるために努力した。

He worked hard to build his own company.

💡

Used metaphorically for non-physical creation.

Collocations

家を建てるto build a house学校を建てるto build a school関係を建てるto build a relationship

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

家を建てるphrase
to build a house
関係を建てるphrase
to build a relationship

💡Pro Tip

Causative Form

'建てる' is the causative form of '建つ' (tatsu), meaning it implies the action of making something stand or be erected.

Gold Rule

Object Requirement

As a transitive verb, '建てる' always requires an object, whether physical (e.g., a house) or abstract (e.g., a relationship).

📖Word Origin

From the verb '建つ' (tatsu), meaning 'to stand' or 'to be erected', with the causative suffix '-teru' indicating the action of making something stand.

📝Usage Notes

While primarily used for physical construction, it can also be used metaphorically for establishing abstract concepts. The verb is transitive and requires an object.

Word Breakdown

to build or construct
root
+
てる
causative suffix
suffix
和英辞典