Inklingo

How to Say "build" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “build” is “construir” — use 'construir' when referring to the act of physically erecting or creating a structure, like a house, bridge, or machine.

construir🔊A1

Use 'construir' when referring to the act of physically erecting or creating a structure, like a house, bridge, or machine.

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levantar🔊B1

Use 'levantar' when the focus is on raising or erecting a specific structure or monument, often emphasizing the process of putting it up.

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formaciónB2

Use 'formación' when describing the shape or structure of something, particularly natural formations like rocks or clouds, or organized groups.

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talla🔊B1

Use 'talla' specifically to describe a person's physical build or stature, especially their height and general body shape.

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anatomíaB1

Use 'anatomía' when referring to the study of the structure of living organisms or, informally, a person's body structure.

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levanten🔊A2

Use 'levanten' (plural imperative of 'levantar') when instructing multiple people to raise something, like their hands, or to erect something.

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English → Spanish

construir

kohn-stroo-EERkon.stɾuˈiɾ

verbA1general
Use 'construir' when referring to the act of physically erecting or creating a structure, like a house, bridge, or machine.
A construction worker placing a final red brick on a partially completed wall, symbolizing the act of building a physical structure.

Examples

Los ingenieros van a construir un nuevo puente sobre el río.

The engineers are going to build a new bridge over the river.

Están construyendo un nuevo hospital en el centro.

They are building a new hospital downtown.

Mi abuelo construyó esta casa con sus propias manos.

My grandfather built this house with his own hands.

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.

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).

levantar

leh-vahn-tarleβanˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'levantar' when the focus is on raising or erecting a specific structure or monument, often emphasizing the process of putting it up.
A construction worker placing the final block on a small, newly built brick wall structure.

Examples

Se levantó un monumento en honor a los héroes de la guerra.

A monument was built in honor of the war heroes.

Los obreros levantaron el nuevo edificio en solo seis meses.

The workers built the new building in only six months.

El gobierno necesita levantar más fondos para el proyecto social.

The government needs to raise more funds for the social project.

El director decidió levantar la prohibición de usar móviles.

The director decided to lift (abolish) the ban on using cell phones.

Figurative Use

This meaning extends the idea of 'lifting' something physical to 'lifting' a structure, a sum of money, or a restriction.

formación

nounB2general
Use 'formación' when describing the shape or structure of something, particularly natural formations like rocks or clouds, or organized groups.

Examples

El geólogo estudió la formación de las montañas.

The geologist studied the formation of the mountains.

talla

TAH-yahˈtaʎa

nounB1general
Use 'talla' specifically to describe a person's physical build or stature, especially their height and general body shape.
A very tall adult person standing next to a much shorter child, illustrating the difference in their physical stature or height.

Examples

Es un atleta de gran talla que destaca en el baloncesto.

He is a tall athlete who stands out in basketball.

Es un jugador de alta talla, mide casi dos metros.

He is a tall player; he measures almost two meters.

Mi hermana es de talla mediana, ni muy alta ni muy baja.

My sister is of medium height, neither very tall nor very short.

Using 'Ser de'

To describe a person's general height or stature, you usually use the structure 'ser de + talla' (e.g., 'Ella es de talla pequeña').

anatomía

nounB1formal/informal
Use 'anatomía' when referring to the study of the structure of living organisms or, informally, a person's body structure.

Examples

La anatomía humana es fascinante para los estudiantes de medicina.

Human anatomy is fascinating for medical students.

levanten

leh-BAHN-tehnleˈβanten

verbA2general
Use 'levanten' (plural imperative of 'levantar') when instructing multiple people to raise something, like their hands, or to erect something.
A group of happy children raising their hands high in a classroom setting.

Examples

¡Levanten la vista y admiren el cielo estrellado!

Build (raise) your eyes and admire the starry sky!

Por favor, levanten la mano si tienen una pregunta.

Please, raise your hand if you have a question.

Quiero que levanten sus juguetes antes de salir.

I want you all to pick up your toys before going out.

Espero que ellos levanten el muro pronto.

I hope they build the wall soon.

Two Roles for 'Levanten'

This word works as a direct command for a group ('Levanten las manos!') and also in sentences where you express a wish ('Espero que levanten las cajas').

Addressing Groups

Use 'levanten' when talking to two or more people. In Latin America, this is used for any group; in Spain, it's the polite/formal way to address a group.

Levantan vs. Levanten

Mistake: “Using 'levantan' for a command.”

Correction: Say '¡Levanten!' for a command. 'Levantan' (with an 'a') is just a statement of fact, like 'they are lifting right now.'

Construir vs. Levantar for Physical Structures

Learners often confuse 'construir' and 'levantar' when talking about building. 'Construir' is the general term for creating any structure, while 'levantar' specifically implies raising or erecting something already in progress or a monument.

Related Translations

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