Meaning and Usage
"建物" (たてもの) means "building" and refers to any constructed structure such as houses, offices, or commercial buildings. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and writing.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "建物" when talking about real estate, architecture, or describing places. It can refer to both old and new buildings.
Collocations and Patterns
- 建物が古い (the building is old): describing the age or condition
- 新しい建物 (new building): referring to recently constructed buildings
- 建物の中 (inside the building): talking about the interior space
Usage Notes
"建物" is a neutral and polite word suitable for formal and informal contexts. It is often used instead of more specific words like "家" (house) when referring to buildings in general. Avoid confusing it with "建築" which refers more to the act or art of building rather than the structure itself.