解体
kaitai
Demolition in Japanese is 解体 (kaitai).
解体 is used to describe the systematic dismantling of buildings, ships or machinery. It implies a controlled process rather than sudden destruction caused by a natural disaster.
Meaning: the action of demolishing or destroying (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 解体 consists of 解, meaning to untie or solve and 体, meaning body or structure. Together, they literally mean to dismantle a structure or body.
How do you pronounce it?
kaitai
Did you know?
- The character 解 in 解体 is also the first character in the word for 'answer' or 'solution' (解答), as both involve 'untying' a knot or problem.
- While English uses 'demolition' for buildings, using 解体 for a person's body is reserved for highly technical or clinical contexts, such as an autopsy or the scientific dissection of a specimen.
- In Japanese media, such as manga or anime, creators sometimes use 解体 metaphorically to describe 'deconstruction'. This can refer to the systematic breaking down of a character's psychological state or the dismantling of a common storytelling trope.
Examples in context
- 建物を壊すDemolishing a building
- この古い建物の解体は明日です。Kono furui tatemono no kaitai wa ashita desu.The demolition of this old building is tomorrow.
- 解体の費用はいくらですか？Kaitai no hiyou wa ikura desu ka?How much is the demolition cost?
- 彼は解体の作業員です。Kare wa kaitai no sagyouin desu.He is a demolition worker.
Example conversation
Two neighbors are discussing a construction site nearby.
- 蓮 Renあそこの建物の解体が始まりましたね。Asoko no tatemono no kaitai ga hajimarimashita ne.The demolition of that building has started, hasn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても大きな音ですね。Hai, totemo ookina oto desu ne.Yes, it is a very loud noise.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんは、あの作業がいつ終わると思いますか？Himari-san wa, ano sagyou ga itsu owaru to omoimasu ka?Himari, when do you think that work will finish?
- 陽葵 Himari来週には終わるはずですよ。Raishuu ni wa owaru hazu desu yo.It should be finished by next week.
