Construct, Structure, to mind/care about
かまう (kamau), かまえる (kamaeru)
Interesting Fact
At first, 構 seems to have two completely unrelated meanings: “construct” and “care about.” But Japanese connects them through the idea of setting something up and giving it your attention. 構える (kamaeru) can mean to set up or construct something, but also to prepare yourself or take a stance. From this came 構う (kamau)—to pay attention to, concern yourself with, or care about someone. So the underlying image is surprisingly simple: when you care about something, you mentally “set yourself up” toward it and give it your attention.
Memory Trick
“🌳❤️ A carpenter builds a WOODEN structure, then CARES so much about it that he checks every piece twice — 木 + 冓 = 構!”
Readings
Onyomi: コウ (kou)
Kunyomi: かまう (kamau), かまえる (kamaeru)
Example Words
Example Sentence
新しい家を構えました。
あたらしい いえ を かまえました。
atarashii ie o kamaemashita
They established a new home.