Explore 構 in words about putting things together and in familiar expressions. Learn each reading with the whole word.

The idea

構 has 14 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 構造（こうぞう） means structure, while 構成（こうせい） refers to composition. 構える（かまえる） can mean to take a ready position or establish a shop.

Patterns to compare
WordReadingMeaning
構造こうぞうstructure
構成こうせいcomposition
構えるかまえるget ready; establish
構うかまうpay attention; mind

Examples

  • 建物たてものの構造こうぞうを調しらべます。I examine the structure of the building.
  • この物語ものがたりは三みっつの部分ぶぶんで構成こうせいされています。This story is composed of three parts.
  • 選手せんしゅはバットを構かまえました。The player held the bat ready.
  • 彼かれは駅えきの近ちかくに店みせを構かまえました。He set up a shop near the station.
  • 猫ねこは子こどもに構かまってほしいようです。The cat seems to want the child to pay attention to it.
  • 明日あしたでも構かまいません。Tomorrow is fine too.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume every 構 word means building: 構う can mean pay attention to someone, while 構いません means “it is fine” in a suitable context.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 構造 in hiragana.

    Show answer or example answer

    こうぞう

    構造 is こうぞう: it describes the structure of something, such as a building.

  2. Write the reading of 構える in hiragana.

    Show answer or example answer

    かまえる

    構える is かまえる: a player can hold a bat ready, and someone can establish a shop.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: ＿成（こうせい）［構／講］.

    Show answer or example answer

    構

    構 completes 構成（こうせい）, composition; a story can be composed of three parts.

Use it today

Write 構 following the diagram. Cover the table, read 構造 and 構える, then make a sentence with one.