How to Say "Architecture" in Japanese

建築

kenchiku[kẽ̞ɲ̟t͡ɕi̥kɯ̟]

In Japanese, 'architecture' is said as 建築 (kenchiku). If unsure, use 建築. Wiktionary also lists 建築学 (kenchikugaku).

Meaning: art and science of designing buildings and other structures (noun)

Ways to say it

“architecture” in Japanese
Japanese	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA
建築	kenchiku	[kẽ̞ɲ̟t͡ɕi̥kɯ̟] (narrow)
建築学	kenchikugaku	[kẽ̞ɲ̟t͡ɕikɯ̟ɡa̠kɯ̟] (narrow)

The term refers to the art and science of designing buildings and other structures.

While 建築 refers to the act or art of building, 建築学 is used specifically to refer to architecture as an academic discipline or field of study.

kenchiku

Traditional Japanese architecture avoids the use of nails, instead relying on complex interlocking wooden joints called 継手 and 仕口.
In the context of 建築, the concept of 間 (ma) refers to the artistic use of negative space, emphasizing that the void between walls is as important as the walls themselves.
Japanese architecture often features 縁側 (engawa), a veranda that functions as a transitional space, meaning it is neither fully inside the house nor fully outside.

大学では建築学を専攻してたよ。
I majored in architecture in college.
This sentence is useful for showing how to mention a college major using 建築.
Tatoeba #9635022 by small_snow, translation #9635010 by CK
大都市の魅力のひとつは、その建物の建築様式に見られる多様性にある。
Part of the charm of a big city lies in the variety of styles that can be seen in the architecture of its buildings.
This sentence shows how to describe the architectural styles found in a city using 建築.
Tatoeba #137376 by KK_kaku_, translation #275860 by CM
建築は……そんなことはあんまり考へない。たゞ、書斎と寝室はコンフオルタブルなものが欲しい。
The architecture… I don't really care about it. I just want a comfortable study and comfortable bedroom.
This sentence illustrates a context where someone is discussing their personal preferences regarding the architecture of a room using 建築.
Tatoeba #1244349 by Scott, translation #1244353 by Scott
彼は建築の専門家です。
He is an architecture expert.
建築に興味があります。
I am interested in architecture.
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Kenta and Yui are walking through a modern city area.

健太 Kenta

この街は、建築がとても美しいね。
Kono machi wa, kenchiku ga totemo utsukushii ne.
The architecture in this city is very beautiful, isn't it?
結衣 Yui

本当。近代的な建築が多くて驚いたよ。
Honto. Kindenteki na kenchiku ga ookute odoroita yo.
Really. I was surprised by how many modern buildings there are.
健太 Kenta

結衣さんは、好きな建築のスタイルはある？
Yui-san wa, sukina kenchiku no sutairu wa aru?
Yui, do you have a preferred architectural style?
結衣 Yui

私は、歴史を感じる建築が好きだな。
Watashi wa, rekishi o kanjiru kenchiku ga suki dana.
I like architecture that feels historical.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏