French word

construire

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃stʁɥiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbbuild

Example

Nous allons construire une maison.

We are going to build a house.

Illustration for construire (build)

More examples

Nous devons construire des ponts entre les cultures.

We must build bridges between cultures.

Core concept

Materials joined step by step until a planned structure stands.

Common phrases

  • construire un immeuble

    build an apartment building

  • construire un pont

    build a bridge

  • construire sa carrière

    build one's career

Similar words

bâtir: To raise a house or other building from its foundation with building materials.
concevoir: To devise an idea or plan and turn it into a design.
fabriquer: To manufacture goods by transforming raw materials in a factory.
monter: To join separate parts to assemble a machine, piece of furniture, or similar item.

Definition in French

Édifier ou mettre en place une structure en réunissant et en fixant des matériaux selon un projet.

Word origin

Construire comes from Latin construere, formed from com- 'together' and struere 'to pile or arrange', through Old French.

Usage tips

  • Construire takes a direct object without a preposition, as in construire une maison, not construire a une maison.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word