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营造 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
营造yíngzàoto build (housing)HSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #13363, Very Hard
营造yíngzàoto constructHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #13363, Very Hard
营造yíngzàoto makeHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #13363, Very Hard
yíngzào(ying2zao4)ying zao T2
  1. 1to build (housing)
  2. 2to construct
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March 24, 2026

营造(營造)yíngzào(ying2zao4)

营造 refers to the act of building or constructing something, particularly in the context of housing or structures. It can also imply the creation or making of an environment or atmosphere, suggesting a careful process of design and assembly.

Strokes21Frequency#13363DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 营造 extends beyond physical buildings to the construction of harmonious living spaces, reflecting values of community and environmental harmony, often seen in traditional Chinese architecture.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'camp' (营) where builders ('造') are constructing a beautiful house. Visualize the campfire in the center, representing the process of creating and enhancing the living space around it, linking the sound 'ying' to 'camp' and 'zao' to 'build'.

Meanings of 营造

yíngzào(ying2zao4)
1to build (housing)
2to construct
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About 营造

营造Simplified
營造Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 营造

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AI study notes for 营造

Quick Contrast

构建 (gòujiàn) vs 建造 (jiànzào): Use 营造 when emphasizing the careful design process or atmosphere creation, while 构建 focuses more on the structural aspect and 建造 is a general term for construction.

Usage Notes

营造 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in architecture and urban planning. Be careful not to confuse it with simpler terms for 'build' like 建造 (jiànzào), which is more straightforward and less nuanced. This word is typically used with nouns that relate to structures or environments.

HSK Study Tips

While 营造 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects well with other construction-related vocabulary like 建 (jiàn) and 造 (zào). Focus on understanding the context in which it is used, especially in discussions about urban development and architecture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 营造 with 造 (zào) alone, neglecting its nuanced meaning. For example, saying '我营造一个房子' (Wǒ yíngzào yīgè fángzi) is incorrect; it should be '我在建造一个房子' (Wǒ zài jiànzào yīgè fángzi) for direct construction.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 营造

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Component characters

营yíngcamp
HSK 511 strokes艹
View full entry
造zàoto make
HSK 510 strokes辶
View full entry

How to say to build (housing) in Chinese

“to build (housing)” in Chinese is营造yíngzào

营造 refers to the act of building or constructing something, particularly in the context of housing or structures. It can also imply the creation or making of an environment or atmosphere, suggesting a careful process of design and assembly.

When to use 营造

营造 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in architecture and urban planning. Be careful not to confuse it with simpler terms for 'build' like 建造 (jiànzào), which is more straightforward and less nuanced. This word is typically used with nouns that relate to structures or environments.

营造 or something close to it

构建 (gòujiàn) vs 建造 (jiànzào): Use 营造 when emphasizing the careful design process or atmosphere creation, while 构建 focuses more on the structural aspect and 建造 is a general term for construction.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 营造 with 造 (zào) alone, neglecting its nuanced meaning. For example, saying '我营造一个房子' (Wǒ yíngzào yīgè fángzi) is incorrect; it should be '我在建造一个房子' (Wǒ zài jiànzào yīgè fángzi) for direct construction.

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营
造

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Cultural Notes for 营造

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While both cultures value construction, Western culture often emphasizes individualism in building, whereas Chinese culture may prioritize harmony with nature and community integration.

Frequently asked questions about 营造

营造 emphasizes the process and artistry of creating a space, while 建造 is a more straightforward term for construction.

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