構造

こうぞう · kouzou · JLPT N2 · noun

structure

構造 — structure

🏗️ 構 (kou, build) + 造 (zou, make) = the way parts are built and put together

構 means framework or frame; 造 means to make or build. Together they name how a whole is assembled from its parts, the same as English 'structure' or 'construction'.

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.

More Japanese words · How Japanese works