Meaning and Usage
The verb 築く (きずく) primarily means "to build" or "to establish." It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it can refer to constructing buildings or physical structures, such as castles or houses. Figuratively, it is frequently used to describe the building or establishment of intangible things like relationships, trust, or organizations.
Common Contexts
- Building physical structures: castles, houses, walls.
- Establishing relationships or trust: 信頼関係を築く (to build trust).
- Founding or establishing companies or organizations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 信頼関係を築く: to build a trusting relationship.
- 会社を築く: to establish a company.
- 城を築く: to build a castle.
These collocations show how 築く is used to express the act of creating or establishing something lasting and important.
Register and Politeness
築く is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is polite when conjugated appropriately but is not a humble or honorific verb by itself.
Common Learner Notes
Learners sometimes confuse 築く with 建てる (たてる), which also means "to build." 築く often implies a more lasting or foundational construction, especially for abstract concepts like relationships or organizations, whereas 建てる is more commonly used for physical buildings. Remember to use 築く when emphasizing the establishment or foundation of something enduring.