建設
けんせつ · kensetsu · JLPT N3 · noun
construction
🏗️🧱 建 build + 設 set up = construction; kensetsu: Ken sets up the site
建 means to build or erect, as in 建物 (tatemono, building). 設 means to set up or establish, as in 設立 (setsuritsu, founding). Build plus set up gives construction, and also laying the foundation of something new.
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.