Understanding "建设" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 建设
• Pinyin: jiàn shè
• Literal Meaning: "建" (jiàn) means "to build" or "to establish," and "设" (shè) means "to set up" or "to design." Together, they form the concept of "construction" or "building up."
• Primary Meaning: The primary meaning of "建设" is "construction," "development," or "building" in both a physical and abstract sense. It refers to the process of creating or improving infrastructure, systems, or societal progress.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "建设" is commonly used in contexts related to infrastructure (e.g., cities, roads, bridges), economic development, and societal progress.
• It can also refer to abstract concepts like "cultural construction" (文化建设) or "moral development" (道德建设).

• The word carries a positive connotation, often associated with growth, improvement, and modernization.

• Character Breakdown:

• 建 (jiàn): Means "to build," "to establish," or "to construct." It often appears in words like "建立" (jiàn lì, "to establish") or "建筑" (jiàn zhù, "architecture").
• 设 (shè): Means "to set up," "to design," or "to arrange." It appears in words like "设计" (shè jì, "design") or "设备" (shè bèi, "equipment").

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这座城市正在建设新的地铁系统。
   Pinyin: Zhè zuò chéngshì zhèngzài jiànshè xīn de dìtiě xìtǒng.
   English: This city is constructing a new subway system.

2. Chinese: 政府重视教育建设。
   Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ zhòngshì jiàoyù jiànshè.
   English: The government prioritizes educational development.

3. Chinese: 我们需要加强环境保护建设。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào jiāqiáng huánjìng bǎohù jiànshè.
   English: We need to strengthen environmental protection efforts.

Cultural Notes

• "建设" is a key term in modern Chinese discourse, especially in government policies and media. It reflects China's emphasis on rapid urbanization, economic growth, and societal progress.
• The phrase "社会主义建设" (shèhuì zhǔyì jiànshè, "socialist construction") was historically significant during Mao Zedong's era and remains relevant in political contexts today.

Conclusion

"建设" (jiàn shè) is a versatile word meaning "construction" or "development," used for both physical projects and abstract progress. Remember it as the "building up" of something—whether a city, a system, or society. Keep practicing with the examples to master its usage!