改造
かいぞう · kaizou · JLPT N2 · noun
remodeling
🔨🏠 改 = change + 造 = build: change-and-build = remodeling
改 means alter or modify, and 造 means make or construct. Together they describe rebuilding an existing structure to change how it is set up.
改 — 己 (self) + 攴/攵 (action/strike)
改 is a compound of 己 'self' and 攵 (the action radical, originally a hand holding a stick). The image is of striking or applying force to oneself or one's situation, suggesting reform or correction. From this came the modern meaning 'to change, alter, correct'.
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.