造り

つくり

make up, structure, physique

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 造り (つくり)

The word 造り primarily refers to the physical structure or build of something, whether it is a building, an object, or a person's physique. It is often used to describe how something is constructed or made up.

Common Uses

  • Describing the architecture or construction of buildings (e.g., 家の造り).
  • Talking about a person's body build or physique (e.g., 筋肉質な造り).
  • Referring to the internal mechanism or composition of objects, especially complex ones like watches.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 〜の造り: Indicates the structure or build of something (e.g., 時計の造り).
  • 複雑な造り: Complex structure or mechanism.
  • 頑丈な造り: Sturdy or robust construction.

Usage Notes

造り is a noun and often appears in formal or descriptive contexts. When referring to people, it usually highlights physical build or body type, often in a neutral or positive sense. Avoid confusing 造り with 作り (also read つくり), which can mean 'making' or 'creation' in a broader sense; 造り specifically emphasizes structure or build.

Understanding 造り helps learners describe physical characteristics and constructions more precisely in Japanese.

Example Sentences

このいえのつくりはとてもしっかりだ。

The structure of this house is very sturdy.

かれはきんにくしつなつくりをしている。

He has a muscular physique.

このとけいはふくざつなつくりでゆうめいだ。

This watch is famous for its complex mechanism.