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建筑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
建筑jiànzhùto constructHSK 5, n, rank #2284, Hard
建筑jiànzhùbuildingHSK 5, n, rank #2284, Hard
建筑jiànzhù>个[gè]HSK 5, n, rank #2284, Hard
jiànzhù(jian4zhu4) T4
  1. 1to construct
  2. 2building
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March 24, 2026
建筑(建築)jiànzhù(jian4zhu4)

建筑 (jiànzhù) refers to the act of constructing or the structures built, such as buildings and architectural works. It is commonly used in contexts related to urban planning, architecture, and construction industries, emphasizing both the process and the end product.

Frequency#2284DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '建筑' is significant due to the rapid urbanization and modernization of cities. Traditional architectural styles, such as those seen in temples and palaces, contrast sharply with modern high-rises, reflecting the dynamic evolution of urban landscapes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant 'building' (建筑) being constructed by a giant 'builder' (建). The character '建' looks like a person with a roof above them, symbolizing construction, while '筑' suggests a solid foundation. Together, they represent the creation of structures.

Meanings of 建筑

jiànzhù(jian4zhu4)
1to construct
2building
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 建筑

建筑Simplified
建築Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2284Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 建筑

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Podcast: 建筑

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AI Study Notes for 建筑

Quick Contrast

建筑 (jiànzhù) vs 施工 (shīgōng) — use 建筑 for the overall concept of architecture or structures, while 施工 specifically refers to the construction process or work.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant 'building' (建筑) being constructed by a giant 'builder' (建). The character '建' looks like a person with a roof above them, symbolizing construction, while '筑' suggests a solid foundation. Together, they represent the creation of structures.

Usage Notes

Be aware that '建筑' is more formal and technical compared to the casual term '房子' (house). Common collocations include '建筑设计' (architectural design) and '建筑工程' (construction project). Watch out for the tones; mispronouncing them can change meanings.

HSK Study Tips

As HSK Level 5 vocabulary, '建筑' connects to other technical terms related to construction and urban development. Students should focus on using it in context, especially in discussions about architecture or city planning.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '建筑' is significant due to the rapid urbanization and modernization of cities. Traditional architectural styles, such as those seen in temples and palaces, contrast sharply with modern high-rises, reflecting the dynamic evolution of urban landscapes.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 建筑 with 建设 (jiànshè), which means 'to construct' rather than 'building.' For example, saying '我喜欢建设' (I like buildings) is incorrect; instead, use '我喜欢建筑.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 建筑

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Component Characters

建jiànto establish
HSK 58 strokes廴
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筑zhùshort name for Guiyang 貴陽
HSK 712 strokes⺮
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Write 建筑

建
筑

Practice writing 建筑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 建筑

建筑 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

这里的____高的高，低的低，不太整齐。

The buildings here are some tall, some short — not very orderly.

Example Sentences for 建筑 (10)

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1
如果潮湿发霉的建筑令你生病了，霉菌很可能是病因。

rú guǒ cháo shī fā méi de jiàn zhù líng nǐ shēng bìng le， ， méi jūn hěn kě néng shì bìng。

If damp, musty buildings make you ill, mould is probably the cause.
2
建筑业不再像以往那样萧条了。

jiàn zhù yè bù zài xiàng yǐ wǎng nà yàng xiāo tiáo le。

The construction industry is no longer as depressed as it was.
3
叛军屡次尝试强攻这座建筑。

pàn jūn lǚ cì cháng shì qiáng gōng zhè zuò jiàn zhù。

The rebel soldiers tried repeatedly to storm the building.
4
这座宫殿完全是各种建筑风格的大杂烩。

zhè zuò gōng diàn wán quán shì gè zhǒng jiàn zhù fēng gé de dà zá huì。

The palace is a complete hotch-potch of architectural styles.
5
这两座建筑物体现了爱尔兰建筑风格的极致多变。

zhè liǎng zuò jiàn zhù wù tǐ xiàn le ài ěr lán jiàn zhù fēng gé de jí zhì duō biàn。

These two buildings typify the rich extremes of Irish architecture.
6
休闲中心是一个狭长而低矮的现代建筑。

xiū xián zhōng xīn shì yī gè xiá cháng ér dī ǎi de xiàn dài jiàn zhù。

The Leisure Center is a long and low modern building.
7
原来，他租住的那栋建筑是一座教堂。

yuán lái， ， tā zū zhù de nà dòng jiàn zhù shì yī zuò jiào。

The building he was lodged in turned out to be a church.
8
建筑工人在8根细柱上架起轻巧的混凝土穹顶。

jiàn zhù gōng rén zài8 8 gēn xì zhù shàng jià qǐ qīng qiǎo de hùn níng tǔ qióng。

The builders have perched a light concrete dome on eight slender columns.
9
突如其来的一声巨响在建筑物间回荡着，震碎了玻璃。

tū rú qí lái de yī shēng jù xiǎng zài jiàn zhù wù jiān huí dàng zháo， ， zhèn suì le bō。

The bang came suddenly, echoing across the buildings, shattering glass.
10
仍有大约40名囚犯被困在严重损毁的建筑物中。

réng yǒu dà yuē40 40 míng qiú fàn bèi kùn zài yán zhòng sǔn huǐ de jiàn zhù wù。

About forty prisoners are still barricaded inside the wrecked buildings.

Cultural Notes for 建筑

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of '建筑' is significant due to the rapid urbanization and modernization of cities. Traditional architectural styles, such as those seen in temples and palaces, contrast sharply with modern high-rises, reflecting the dynamic evolution of urban landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions about 建筑

建筑 refers to the concept of construction and buildings in a broader sense, while 房子 specifically means 'house'.