Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| construir | /konsˈtɾwiɾ/ /konstɾuˈiɾ/ |
| edificar | /edifiˈkaɾ/ |
| labrar | /laˈbɾaɾ/ |
Construir is the standard transitive verb used to mean forming something by combining materials or parts. It can be used both literally, such as building a house and figuratively, such as building a relationship or a reputation. Related to this, el constructor refers to a builder, la obra refers to a construction site, los materiales de construcción are building materials and el andamio is a scaffold.
Which one should you use?
While construir is the standard term, edificar is a more formal or literary term often used when referring to erecting large structures or monuments. In contrast, labrar is a specialized term used specifically when the building process involves carving or shaping materials like stone or wood or when working the land.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense conjugations for construir are construyo, construyes, construye, construimos, construís and construyen. The past participle is the irregular form construido.
How do you pronounce it?
/konsˈtɾwiɾ/
Did you know?
- The noun la obra can mean a construction site, a building project, or a masterpiece of art and literature. This reflects the idea that both a house and a novel are 'built'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, maestro de obra is the title for the head builder. Literally meaning 'master of the work', it denotes a level of craft expertise higher than a standard contractor.
- If you are working in a field or with soil, you might use labrar to mean 'to till' or 'to cultivate', shifting the meaning from building to preparing the earth.
Examples in context
- Tom construirá una casa.Tom will build a big house.This sentence shows how to use construir for a future action regarding a house.Tatoeba #13304636 by ecorralest101, translation #6698035 by Eccles17
- Me gusta construir puentes.I like to build bridges.This sentence demonstrates the use of construir with bridges.Tatoeba #2399098 by marcelostockle, translation #1762323 by Amastan
- Construirlo tomó muchos años.It took many years to build it.This sentence illustrates using construir in a phrase about the time taken to complete a task.Tatoeba #2047068 by marcelostockle, translation #41849 by CK
- Para construir un rascacielos, se requiere un equipo de arquitectos y ingenieros talentosos.To build a skyscraper, a team of talented architects and engineers is required.
- La compañía está construyendo una nueva planta de producción en la ciudad.The company is building a new manufacturing plant in the city.
- Necesitamos construir una cerca alrededor del jardín para mantener a los animales alejados.We need to build a fence around the garden to keep the animals away.
- Voy a hacer una casa de muñecas para mi hermana pequeña.I'm going to build a dollhouse for my little sister.
- ¿Sabes cómo hacer una estantería de madera?Do you know how to build a wooden shelf?
- Los niños están haciendo un castillo de arena en la playa.The kids are building a sandcastle on the beach.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a new project for their garden.
- MateoQuiero construir un invernadero pequeño.I want to build a small greenhouse.
- MaríaEso es una gran idea, Mateo.That is a great idea, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Me ayudas a construir la estructura?Will you help me build the structure?
- MaríaClaro, yo te ayudo con gusto.Of course, I would be happy to help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “build” translations and entries construir, edificar, labrar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
