build
The Spanish verb 'construir' translates as 'build' in English. Much like in English, it is used in a variety of contexts including construction of buildings or infrastructure, creation of relationships or plans, or even personal growth and development. For example, 'Ella puede construir una casa' means 'She can build a house'.
My job consists of building houses.
In this instance, 'construir' denotes the act of building as a profession.
I learned to build houses when I was young.
This sentence showcases the use of 'construir' in past tense. It explains a skill that the speaker learned when they were young, which is building houses.
My dream is to build an orphanage for disadvantaged children.
This sentence uses 'construir' in the present context to the speaker's goal or aspiration, which is to construct an orphanage.
We are going to build a sandcastle on the beach.
In this case, 'construir' is used in a future tense setting to describe a planned activity.
We must build a bridge over our differences.
Here, 'construir' is used metaphorically—rather than referring to the physical act of building, it refers to the creation of a compromise or understanding.
Building a good reputation can be complicated.
This sentence uses 'construir' to refer to the abstract concept of building or developing a reputation, showing that it's not always used in the literal sense of constructing a physical object.
We want to build a life together.
In this case, 'construir' is used in a figurative sense and marks the intention of creating shared experiences and a shared future.
It's important to build a strong knowledge base.
This sentence uses 'construir' in a different context - to build a foundation of knowledge, highlighting its versatility.
They are going to build a new school in our neighborhood.
Used in future tense, 'construir' indicates the upcoming construction of a new school.
My grandparents helped build this city.
In this scenario, 'construir' in past tense signifies the contribution of the speaker's grandparents to the establishment of a city.