Meaning
Status, rank, character, format — a kanji used in terms like qualification or personality.
- 構える — to set up; to position oneself
- 構う — to care; to mind
- 構成 — composition; structure
- 構造 — structure; construction
- 構図 — composition (of an image)
- 構想 — concept; idea
- 構内 — premises; campus
This character combines 木 (tree) and 冓 (an old form related to assembling). The original meaning was to build something by joining wood together, later expanding to abstract uses like “structure,” “format,” or “take position.” It can also mean “to care” or “to mind” someone’s actions, showing the flexibility of its use.
彼は家を 構えて、静かに暮らしている。
He built a house and lives quietly.
そんなこと、気に構うな。
Don’t worry about that.
Common on-yomi is コウ, as seen in words like 構成 and 構造. The kun-yomi かまえる and かまう are also frequently used in both written and spoken Japanese.