JLPT · Level 155
15 words
Japanese word
構え
Pronunciation
Romajikamae
Meaning
- nounstructure
Example
古い店ですが、構えはしっかりしています。furu i mise de su ga kama e wa shi kka ri shi te i ma su
The store is old, but its structure is solid.
More examples
この寺は小さいですが、構えが堂々として見えます。ko no tera wa chii sa i de su ga kama e ga dō dō to shi te mi e ma su
Although this temple is small, its structure looks imposing.
Core concept
It refers to the overall arrangement that determines how something looks, stands, or functions as a unified form.
Common phrases
家の構えie no kama e
the structure of a house
立派な構えrip pa na kama e
an impressive structure
堂々とした構えdō dō to shi ta kama e
an imposing structure
Similar words
造りtsukuri: The construction and design of a building or object.
構造kōzō: The arrangement of parts that gives a building or object its physical form.
たたずまいtatazumai: The overall appearance and presence of a place or building.
Definition in Japanese
物の造りや人の姿勢など、全体としての整った形。mono no tsuku ri ya hito no shi sei na do zen tai to shi te no totono tta katachi
Word origin
The native Japanese noun 構え (kamae, "arrangement or posture") derives from 構える (kamaeru, "to arrange or take a posture") through its noun-forming stem.
Usage tips
- A house can have a 構え (kamae) that is described as solid, while a person can have a 構え that shows readiness, so the word covers more than a building's framework.
Other meanings
- appearancenoun
- posturenoun