コンクリート
konkurīto[kõ̞ŋkɯ̟ɾʲiːto̞]
The English word 'concrete' is translated into Japanese as コンクリート (konkurīto) when referring to the building material.
The term コンクリート is used to describe the physical substance used in construction. If you wish to describe something as being 'made of concrete', you should use the related form コンクリートの. Other related construction terms include 基礎 (foundation), 建設 (construction), 構造 (structure) and 建築家 (architect).
Meaning: building material (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the physical material and the concept of being non-abstract. While コンクリート refers to the building material, the word 具体的 is used when you mean 'concrete' in the sense of being specific or non-abstract.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
konkurīto
Did you know?
- Japan is famous for 打ちっぱなしコンクリート, a style of 'exposed concrete' popularized by architect Tadao Ando that leaves the material raw and unpainted as an aesthetic choice.
- The term 具体的 (gutaiteki), which is the non-material version of 'concrete', uses the Kanji 体 meaning 'body'. This suggests that for a concept to be 'concrete' in Japanese, it must possess a 'body' or physical form.
- In Japanese construction, you might hear the word 生コン (namakon), which is a shorthand for 'raw concrete'. This is a unique contraction that an English speaker would never encounter by simply translating 'concrete' literally.
Examples in context
- 彼はハンマーでコンクリートブロックを粉々にした。He broke up the concrete block with a hammer.This sentence shows how to use コンクリート when describing a block.Tatoeba #111219 by tommy__san, translation #292466 by CM
- コンクリート桟橋なのですが、途中何カ所か崩壊しています。It's a concrete bridge, but several places along its length have collapsed.This sentence shows how to use コンクリート to describe a bridge.Tatoeba #504002 by xtofu80, translation #504622 by blay_paul
- 「このビルの基礎はコンクリートで作られています。」The foundation of this building is made of concrete.
- 「コンクリートの強度を検査する必要があります。」We need to inspect the strength of the concrete.
- 「家の庭にセメントを流し込む前に、よく混ぜてください。」Please mix the cement well before pouring it into the yard.
- コンクリートはまだ乾いていません。Konkurīto wa mada kawaite imasen.The concrete is not dry yet.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are standing in front of a new house under construction.
- 陽葵 Himariこの家の地面はコンクリートでできていますね。Kono ie no jimen wa konkurīto de dekite imasu ne.The ground of this house is made of concrete, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、とても丈夫そうです。Hai, totemo joubu sou desu.Yes, it looks very sturdy.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんは、このデザインが好きですか？Youta-san wa, kono dezain ga suki desu ka?Youta, do you like this design?
- 陽太 Yotaとてもモダンでいいと思います。Totemo modan de ii to omoimasu.I think it is very modern and nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “concrete” translations and entries コンクリート, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
