construir
Lemma Details
Translation: to build; to construct; to create; to erect; to make
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Construir comes from Latin 'construere', which is formed from 'com-' (together) and 'struere' (to pile up, arrange). This same Latin root gives us English words like 'construct', 'structure', and 'destruction'. The connection between Spanish 'construir' and English 'construct' makes this verb relatively easy to remember for English speakers.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Están construyendo un nuevo hospital en el centro.
They are building a new hospital downtown.
Es importante construir buenas relaciones con los vecinos.
It's important to build good relationships with neighbors.
Mi abuelo construyó esta casa con sus propias manos.
My grandfather built this house with his own hands.
Debemos construir un futuro mejor para nuestros hijos.
We must build a better future for our children.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'construct' in English - they share the same Latin root.
- Visualize building blocks being put together as you 'construir' something.
- The 'ui' in construir can remind you of 'building' - you need UI (user interface) to build software.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'construir' is commonly used both literally (for physical construction) and metaphorically (for building relationships, futures, etc.). Construction and infrastructure development are important economic sectors in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'construir' means 'to build' or 'to construct' physically, 'constituir' means 'to constitute', 'to establish', or 'to form' in a more abstract or legal sense.
Confused word:
Estos elementos constituyen la base de nuestra política.
These elements constitute the foundation of our policy.
Notes: Construir typically involves physical creation, while constituir is more about forming or establishing something conceptually or legally.
Mnemonic: 'Construir' has 'r' for 'real' physical building; 'constituir' has 't' for 'theoretical' establishment.
Explanation: These are opposites - 'construir' means 'to build' while 'destruir' means 'to destroy'.
Notes: These verbs follow similar conjugation patterns as they both end in -uir.
Mnemonic: The 'des-' prefix in 'destruir' indicates negation or reversal of 'construir'.