Translation and Meaning of: 土木 - doboku

The expression 「土木」 (doboku) has an etymology that dates back to the Heian period, composed of two kanji characters: 「土」 (do), which means "earth" or "soil," and 「木」 (boku), which means "wood" or "tree." Together, these characters form the word used to refer to civil engineering, encompassing both construction and infrastructure of buildings. The combination of the kanji suggests a connection with the primordial materials used in construction since ancient times.

Originally, the word 「土木」 emerged to describe basic construction activities involving these natural materials, such as the creation of shelters and rudimentary structures. Over time, and with the advancement of construction techniques, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of activities associated with modern civil engineering, including the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and dams.

In Japan, civil engineering plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the country's infrastructure, and the word 「土木」 is often used in educational and professional contexts. Academic institutions offer specific courses in 「土木工学」 (doboku kougaku), or civil engineering, preparing students to tackle the challenges of urban and rural development. The importance of the sector is highlighted by the constant need for updating and innovation to face frequent natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, which are common in the region.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 建設 (Kensetsu) - Construction (refers to the activity of construction in general)
• 建築 (Kenchiku) - Architecture (refers to the design and art of building)
• 工事 (Kōji) - Work (specific construction or repair job)
• 建設業 (Kensetsugyō) - Construction industry (economic sector related to construction)
• 土木工学 (Doboku Kōgaku) - Civil engineering (the field of engineering focused on public works and infrastructure)

土木

Romaji: doboku
Kana: どぼく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: public work

Meaning in English: public works

Definition: Technology and work related to land and civil engineering structures, such as construction and development.

Example Sentences - (土木) doboku

See below some example sentences:

土木工事は大切な社会インフラの一つです。

Doboku kouji wa taisetsu na shakai infra no hitotsu desu

A engenharia civil é uma das infraestruturas sociais importantes.

A engenharia civil é uma das importantes infraestrutura social.

• 土木工事 - Construção civil
• は - Topic particle
• 大切な - Important
• 社会 - Society
• インフラ - Infraestrutura
• の - Possessive particle
• 一つ - Um
• です - Ser/estar