建築
けんちく · kenchiku · JLPT N3 · noun
architecture
🏗️ 建築 = build + construct: two building verbs make architecture
建 (ken) means to build or establish, as in 建設 kensetsu. 築 (chiku) means to build up, and it has the bamboo radical ⺮ on top from old bamboo scaffolding. Two verbs for building together give construction and architecture.
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.