A Japanese word I learnt recently is 建築 (kenchiku), which means architecture or construction and just appeals to my ears.

Related words include:

• 建築家 (kenchikuka) = architect
• 建築学 (kenchikugaku) = architecture
• 建築物 (kenchikubutsu) = building, structure
• 建築中 (kenchikuchū) = building, structure
• 建築業 (kenchikugyō) = building/construction industry
• 建築業者 (kenchikugyōsha) = builder, constructor

The charcter 建 means to build, and also appears in such words as 建物 (tatemono – building), 建設 (kensetsu – construction, establishment), and 建てる (tateru – to build).

The charcter 築 means to fabricate, build or construct, and also appears in such words as 築く (kizuku – to build, construct, erect, amass), 築山 (tsukiyama – artificial hill), and 築後 (chikutē – landscape gardening).

Source: jisho.org

Over the past week or so there has been some building work going on in my house, so it’s been a bit chaotic. The central heating system has now been replaced and I finally have a warm house, which is very nice. It’s all running on electricity (before I had a gas boiler) and is powered partly by my solar panels. Next I’m having a small bathroom installed downstairs, and the kitchen roof needs replacing.

Are there any words you’ve come across recently that appeal to your ears?