jiànzào: 建造 - To Build, To Construct, To Erect

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• Summary: Learn how to use the Chinese verb 建造 (jiànzào), which means “to build” or “to construct.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover when to use 建造 for large-scale projects like bridges and skyscrapers, and how it differs from simpler words like 盖 (gài). With over 10 example sentences and clear analysis, you'll master this essential HSK 4 vocabulary word for describing construction and creation in Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiànzào
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: 4
• Concise Definition: To build or construct, typically referring to large, complex structures or abstract systems.
• In a Nutshell: 建造 (jiànzào) is the word you use when you're talking about building something significant. Think bigger than a Lego castle or a sandcastle. This word implies a formal, large-scale effort, like constructing a skyscraper, a bridge, a ship, or even something abstract like “building a better future.” It carries a sense of engineering, planning, and permanence.

• 建 (jiàn): This character means “to build,” “to establish,” or “to set up.” The radical 廴 (yǐn) suggests a long stride or moving forward, while the top part represents a hand holding a tool or brush (聿 yù). Together, they evoke the idea of taking action to establish something.
• 造 (zào): This character means “to make,” “to create,” or “to build.” The radical 辶 (chuò) means “to walk,” indicating movement or a process. The top part 告 (gào) means “to tell” or “to announce.” The combination suggests the process of bringing something into existence.

When you combine 建 (to establish) and 造 (to make), you get 建造 (jiànzào), a powerful and formal verb that emphasizes a comprehensive process of creation from foundation to completion.

建造 (jiànzào) is deeply tied to the Chinese narrative of progress and national achievement. From ancient marvels like the Great Wall (长城 Chángchéng) and the Forbidden City (故宫 Gùgōng) to modern mega-projects like the Three Gorges Dam and the world's fastest high-speed rail network, China's history is a story of ambitious construction. The word 建造 captures this spirit of large-scale, often state-led, development that shapes the physical and symbolic landscape of the nation. In the West, we might use “to build” for almost anything, from a birdhouse to a business empire. The closest English equivalent to the formality and scale of 建造 is “to construct” or “to erect.” Using 建造 implies a level of complexity, engineering, and significance that a more common word like 盖 (gài) (used for building a typical house) doesn't have. It reflects a cultural value placed on grand projects, collective effort, and creating lasting structures for the future.

建造 (jiànzào) is primarily used in formal or technical contexts. You will frequently encounter it in:

• News and Media: Reports on infrastructure projects, new architectural landmarks, or economic development zones.
• Engineering and Architecture: In blueprints, project proposals, and technical discussions about construction.
• Formal Speeches: When politicians or leaders talk about “building a new society” or “constructing a strong economy.”
• Abstract Concepts: It's also used metaphorically to describe the creation of non-physical things, such as building a theoretical framework, a brand image, or a happy family. This usage is more literary or formal.

The connotation is generally neutral to positive, suggesting progress, innovation, and achievement. It is almost never used in casual, everyday conversation for small tasks.

• Example 1:
  • 他们计划在河上建造一座新桥。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen jìhuà zài hé shàng jiànzào yī zuò xīn qiáo.
  • English: They plan to build a new bridge over the river.
  • Analysis: A classic, literal use of 建造. A bridge is a large, complex piece of infrastructure, making 建造 the perfect verb.
• Example 2:
  • 这家公司正在建造一个新的总部大楼。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī zhèngzài jiànzào yī gè xīn de zǒngbù dàlóu.
  • English: This company is currently constructing a new headquarters building.
  • Analysis: Again, a large-scale project. “Headquarters building” (总部大楼) is significant, so 建造 is appropriate.
• Example 3:
  • 建造长城花费了数百年时间。
  • Pinyin: Jiànzào Chángchéng huāfèi le shù bǎi nián shíjiān.
  • English: It took several hundred years to build the Great Wall.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the historical and monumental scale associated with 建造.
• Example 4:
  • 我们需要共同努力，建造一个更美好的未来。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào gòngtóng nǔlì, jiànzào yī gè gèng měihǎo de wèilái.
  • English: We need to work together to build a better future.
  • Analysis: This is a common abstract, metaphorical use. “A better future” is a grand concept, not a physical object, making 建造 fitting for a formal or inspirational context.
• Example 5:
  • 工程师们讨论了如何建造这个空间站。
  • Pinyin: Gōngchéngshīmen tǎolùn le rúhé jiànzào zhège kōngjiānzhàn.
  • English: The engineers discussed how to construct this space station.
  • Analysis: A space station is a highly complex, technical structure, a prime candidate for the verb 建造.
• Example 6:
  • 古埃及人建造了宏伟的金字塔。
  • Pinyin: Gǔ Āijí rén jiànzào le hóngwěi de jīnzìtǎ.
  • English: The ancient Egyptians built the magnificent pyramids.
  • Analysis: Perfect for describing historical, monumental acts of construction.
• Example 7:
  • 这个城市的目标是建造更多的公共公园。
  • Pinyin: Zhège chéngshì de mùbiāo shì jiànzào gèng duō de gōnggòng gōngyuán.
  • English: The city's goal is to construct more public parks.
  • Analysis: While a single park might not seem huge, a city-wide initiative to “construct more parks” is a large-scale civic project, so 建造 works well here.
• Example 8:
  • 他们用最新的技术建造了这艘船。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen yòng zuìxīn de jìshù jiànzào le zhè sōu chuán.
  • English: They used the latest technology to build this ship.
  • Analysis: A ship, especially a large one, is a complex machine that is “constructed,” not just “made.”
• Example 9:
  • 我们要如何建造一个成功的品牌形象？
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yào rúhé jiànzào yī gè chénggōng de pǐnpái xíngxiàng?
  • English: How do we build a successful brand image?
  • Analysis: Another abstract use, common in business or marketing. Building a brand is a complex, strategic process.
• Example 10:
  • 这个体育场是为奥运会建造的。
  • Pinyin: Zhège tǐyùchǎng shì wèi Àoyùnhuì jiànzào de.
  • English: This stadium was constructed for the Olympic Games.
  • Analysis: A stadium is a major public work, making 建造 the most appropriate choice.

The most common mistake for learners is using 建造 (jiànzào) for small, simple objects. It can sound overly dramatic or comical, like saying “I shall now construct a sandwich.” 建造 (jiànzào) vs. 盖 (gài)

• 建造 (jiànzào): Use for large, complex structures that require engineering and significant resources. Think skyscrapers, bridges, stadiums, dams, ships.
• 盖 (gài): Use for smaller, more common buildings. It's the standard word for building a house, a garage, or a small block of flats.
  • Correct: 他们在乡下盖了一栋房子。(Tāmen zài xiāngxià gài le yī dòng fángzi.) - They built a house in the countryside.
  • Incorrect/Awkward: 他们在乡下建造了一栋房子。(This sounds like the house is a massive, architecturally significant mansion, not just a regular house).

建造 (jiànzào) vs. 建设 (jiànshè)

• 建造 (jiànzào): A verb focusing on the physical act of constructing a specific object or structure.
• 建设 (jiànshè): A broader term, often used as a noun (“construction”) or a verb for more abstract development. It refers to “building up” a country, an economy, a city's infrastructure, or a society's culture. It's less about a single project and more about the overall process of development.
  • Example: 我们要加快国家建设。(Wǒmen yào jiākuài guójiā jiànshè.) - We must speed up national construction/development. (You wouldn't use 建造 here).

• 盖 (gài) - A more common verb for “to build,” typically used for simpler structures like houses.
• 建设 (jiànshè) - To build or construct, but on a broader, more abstract scale (e.g., nation-building, economic development).
• 修建 (xiūjiàn) - To build or construct. Often used interchangeably with 建造, but can also imply repairing or extending an existing structure.
• 建筑 (jiànzhù) - (Noun) A building; architecture. This is the result of the action 建造.
• 创造 (chuàngzào) - To create. This is more about bringing something new into existence, often used for art, ideas, or opportunities.
• 成立 (chénglì) - To establish or found, specifically for organizations, companies, or committees.
• 工程 (gōngchéng) - (Noun) An engineering project; a project. The kind of thing you would use 建造 to complete.
• 结构 (jiégòu) - (Noun) Structure; composition; construction. Refers to the way something is put together.