建造
jiànzào · HSK 5
build
🏗️ 建 = build/establish + 造 = make/create; doubled 'construct'
建 carries the sense of setting something up (founding, erecting); 造 means to fashion or produce. Stacking them gives a strong 'build/construct' verb used for buildings, infrastructure, and large-scale projects.
建 — 廴 (stride radical) + 聿 (writing brush)
Originally depicted a hand holding a brush (聿) combined with the 廴 'stride/extend' radical, suggesting drawing out or laying down lines. From this came the meaning of setting up or establishing, as in marking out the foundations of a building. Today it broadly means to build, establish, or construct.
造 — 辶 (walk) + 告 (tell/announce)
造 combines the walking radical 辶 with 告 (announce), which also gives the sound. Originally it meant 'to go and report to,' then 'to reach' or 'arrive at.' Over time the meaning shifted to 'to make' or 'to build,' the sense most common today.