construir
/kohn-stroo-EER/
build
Construir (to build): The process of erecting a physical structure.
construir(verb)
build
?physical structure
,construct
?general term for building
erect
?a tall structure
📝 In Action
Están construyendo un nuevo hospital en el centro.
A1They are building a new hospital downtown.
Mi abuelo construyó esta casa con sus propias manos.
A2My grandfather built this house with his own hands.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Y' Irregularity
In most forms where the stress falls on the stem, the 'i' changes to 'y' (i.e., construyo, construye). This happens because the 'i' is between two vowels (e.g., constru-i-endo) or at the end of a syllable, creating a 'y' sound.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'Y' sound
Mistake: "Using *construio* instead of *construyo*."
Correction: Remember the 'y' sound in the *yo* form: *construyo*. This pattern is common in '-uir' verbs like *huir* (to flee) and *incluir* (to include).
⭐ Usage Tips
Perfect for Physical Objects
Use construir when talking about physical objects that require effort and materials, like houses, walls, bridges, or machines.
Construir (to create): Assembling ideas or concepts to form a cohesive argument or theory.
construir(verb)
create
?an argument, a theory
,develop
?a relationship, a framework
formulate
?an idea or plan
,establish
?a system
📝 In Action
Es difícil construir confianza después de una mentira.
B1It is difficult to build trust after a lie.
El abogado construyó su argumento basándose en la evidencia.
B2The lawyer constructed his argument based on the evidence.
Necesitamos construir un futuro más sostenible.
B2We need to build a more sustainable future.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
This meaning uses construir exactly like the physical sense, but the 'object' is something non-physical, like an idea, a relationship, or a system.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
When discussing complex ideas, theories, or social systems, construir sounds more formal and precise than simple words like hacer (to make).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: construir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'construir' in its abstract, non-physical sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'construir' a regular verb?
No, it is slightly irregular. While it follows the standard '-ir' pattern in many tenses (like the future), it changes the 'i' to 'y' when the stress falls on the stem, such as in the present tense (*yo construyo*).
How do I say 'being built' in Spanish?
You usually use the passive construction: 'El edificio está siendo construido' (The building is being constructed), or the more common impersonal 'Se está construyendo el edificio' (They are building the building / The building is under construction).