Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| construire | /kɔ̃s.tʁɥiʁ/ |
| édifier | /e.di.fje/ |
| bâtir | /ba.tiʁ/ /bɑ.tiʁ/ |
The French language uses different verbs to express the act of forming something by combining materials or parts. While construire is the most versatile term for both physical construction and abstract concepts, other verbs like bâtir focus more on physical structures and fabriquer is used when the focus is on manufacturing or crafting an object.
Which one should you use?
construire is the most common and versatile term, used for building or constructing both physical objects and abstract ideas. bâtir is specifically used for physical structures like walls or houses and has a slightly more literary or traditional feel. édifier is a formal or literary term used for large, imposing structures or for building abstract concepts such as a reputation or a philosophy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of construire is construit. The past participle of bâtir is bâti. The past participle of édifier is édifié.
How do you pronounce it?
construire is pronounced /kɔ̃s.tʁɥiʁ/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb bâtir can be used in the idiom bâtir des châteaux en Espagne, which means to build castles in Spain. It is the French equivalent of 'building castles in the air' or daydreaming.
- The verb bâtir comes from a Frankish word meaning 'to sew' or 'to weave'. This suggests that ancient builders viewed the process of constructing a wall similarly to weaving fabric.
- While édifier means to build a large structure, it is also used as a verb for moral improvement. To be 'edified' in French is to be uplifted spiritually or intellectually.
Examples in context
- Nous pouvons construire cela.We can build that.This sentence shows how to use construire to express capability.Tatoeba #6935811 by Aiji, translation #4496203 by CK
- Je veux construire une maison ici.I want to build a house here.This sentence demonstrates using construire to express a desire to build a house.Tatoeba #5289129 by Aiji, translation #5193546 by CK
- On essaye de construire quelque chose.We're trying to build something.This sentence shows the use of construire in an ongoing attempt.Tatoeba #11107879 by Aiji, translation #5726629 by CM
- Notre entreprise construit des maisons écologiques.Our company builds eco-friendly houses.
- Le roi a bâti un magnifique château.The king built a magnificent castle.
- Les architectes ont érigé un monument en l'honneur des victimes de guerre.The architects built a monument in honor of war victims.
- Mon frère va faire une cabane dans le jardin.My brother is going to build a hut in the garden.
- J'ai fabriqué un meuble avec du bois recyclé.I built a piece of furniture with recycled wood.
- J'ai assemblé les nouvelles étagères pour la bibliothèque.I built/put together the new shelves for the library.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are looking at architectural plans for a new park.
- ChloéIls veulent construire un grand pont ici.They want to build a large bridge here.
- GabrielC'est un projet très ambitieux, Chloé.That is a very ambitious project, Chloé.
- ChloéOui, mais c'est nécessaire pour la ville.Yes, but it is necessary for the city.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “build” translations and entries construire, édifier, bâtir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bâtir, construire, édifier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
