構

音読おんよみ: コウ

訓読くんよみ: かまえる・かま

画数かくすう: 14 strokes

部首ぶしゅ: 木(きへん)

Meaning

Build / Structure / Compose / Mind

  • かまえる — to set up; to position oneself
  • かまう — to care; to mind
  • 構成こうせい — composition; structure
  • 構造こうぞう — structure; construction
  • 構図こうず — composition (of an image)
  • 構想こうそう — concept; idea
  • 構内こうない — 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.

彼はいえかまえて、しずかにらしている。
He built a house and lives quietly.

そんなこと、かまうな。
Don’t worry about that.

造
Creates
構造こうぞう — structure; construction
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